Eight months after applying, the Springfield Fire Department has been awarded a $260,000 grant to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus, replacing units that have been in use since the early 2000s.
2017-05-24 / Local
Fire department awarded $260K for new air packs
SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Eight months after applying, the Springfield Fire Department has been awarded a $260,000 grant to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus, replacing units that have been in use since the early 2000s.
The Springfield Selectboard approved the fire department’s application for the grant in September 2016, and announced Monday that the grant had been awarded to the fire department. A 5 percent match for the grant will be paid for through the Fire Department Capital Improvement Fund.
At 5 percent for a grant amount of $260,000, the fire department will have to pay $13,000. The selectboard approved the expenditure of up to $14,000 in capital fund appropriations last year for the purchase.
According to Springfield Fire Chief Russ Thompson, the packs the department is currently using were purchased about 15 years ago.
The fire department has a total combined staffing allotment of 50, acccording to the fire department website. SCBA units range in price, with the more expensive units costing up to $6,000, according to various fire equipment catalogues.
Training on how to extinguish a structure fire would have been a better use of funds.
ReplyDeleteOnly if training already done on how to extinguish structure fires is lacking.
DeleteFire fighting isn't a spectator sport - right?
DeleteAnonymous 6:48,run right down and join up.the department is looking for call firefighters,they would love to hire someone that already knows everything,man up do your part to make the town safer
DeleteI have the utmost respect for fire fighters. Salute to all men and women doing a very dangerous job.
ReplyDeletei like how the admin post comments that they only feel like posting,give everybody a chance to state their opinion
ReplyDelete6:48,run right down and sign up,they're looking for call firefighter's,sounds like you know how to do it all,save our town !
ReplyDelete@2:22, There was a time when being allowed to serve as a fire fighter was an elite, highly respected, community service. Remember the proud members in their dress uniforms marching in parades? Raising needed funds by donating time for the famous, Plaza, chicken, BBQ? Now, it's just bleeding tax payers for unneeded equipment and bloated salaries.
ReplyDeleteNot so long ago members could secretly black ball any applicant without explanation. Point being, you watched each other's back and anyone with poor judgement was a critical liability. Now, the Department is plagued with simpletons earning in excess of $60K year. Their track record of success is abysmal. This past winter's Commonwealth Ave. debacle as example. Even our local vocational center steers the most challenged into "protective services." These funds would be best used to recruit and train a higher caliber of membership.
@7:14 like the other person said,run right down and sign up,you have all the answer's,I'm sure you have what it takes to serve,but I'm sure you'd hide behind a truck,just like your hiding behind being anonymous
ReplyDeleteMore free stuff. Everyone celebrate - then mail in another check to the Dept of the Treasury.
ReplyDelete