Press Release 12/01/04

Press Release: Peterborough Fire & Rescue

December 1, 2004                              For Immediate Release:  Peterborough Fire & Rescue Receives Grant from Department of Homeland Security

Peterborough, NH –Peterborough Fire & Rescue was awarded a $130,000 FEMA Fire Act Grant for the purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs).  This grant was awarded through the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  PFR will use the funds to replace a 25 year old air compressor to refill air tanks and to replace 21 breathing apparatuses and 21 spare tanks.  This will allow PFR to place new units on all fire apparatus, ambulances, and the chief’s vehicle.

Breathing apparatuses are essential to the operations of PFR.  They are used to provide firefighters with safe breathable air during fire operations, below grade rescue, hazardous materials incidents, and any other incident where breathing may be compromised.  PFR’s current battery of SCBAs is due for replacement and historical the cost for such replacement falls upon taxpayers.  Not this time.  The life expectancy of the new units is 15 to 20 years depending on the amount of service.  PFR uses a preventative maintenance plan to assure that all equipment is regularly serviced.

Members of PFR volunteered long hours to write this grant.  In addition, the grant was supported by Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu.  PFR wished to publicly thank the senators for their support.  PFR feels very fortunate to be one of the several thousands departments around the country to receive such a grant.  With FY ‘04 funds, $745 million will be awarded to fire departments around the country.

“We recognize the importance of the Fire Act Grants to our nation’s fire departments and we will continue to work closely with the fire service community to meet their needs,” said C. Suzanne Mencer, Director of Department of Homeland Security Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP).

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.  These funds increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, emergency medical service programs, and fire prevention and safety programs in local departments.

“In this nation, far too many individuals lose their lives or are injured by fire.  Among these victims are firefighters, who provide emergency response services to their fellow residents,” said U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison.  “The nation’s firefighters and American homes are safer today through this important grant program.”

For more information on the grant program or the USFA, contact the Grants Program Office at 1-866-274-0942 or email FIREGRANTS@dhs.gov. To learn more about Peterborough Fire & Rescue, log on to our website at www.firerescue.us or stop by the station.

For More Information Contact:

Eric Bowman

Public Information Officer

Peterborough Fire & Rescue

eric.bowman@firerescue.us

924-1954 (home)

924-8090 (fire station)