SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES FIRE DEPARTMENT GRANTS FOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) announced today that the Kingston and Lempster Fire Departments have been awarded grants through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for operations and safety.

“Whether it is getting new safety equipment for firefighters, or additional defibrillators to keep on ambulances, we must make sure our New Hampshire fire departments are equipped to face daily challenges,” Shaheen said. “I am glad to announce that the Kingston and Lempster Fire Departments have been awarded grants to assist them with operations and safety. The funds help the departments keep their firefighters, and their communities, safe.”

The Kingston Fire Department will use the $67,802 grant to purchase two Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipped cardiac monitor defibrillators to replace two outdated units the department currently uses on its ambulances. The money will also be used to purchase six Automated External Defibrillator (AEDs).

“The addition of the AEDs in particular will expand the ability of the Department to respond quickly and effectively to cardiac events,” said Fire Chief Bill Seaman. “This new equipment helps our firefighters save more lives, which is the mission of our team. I am grateful for the funds.”

The Lempster Fire Department  will use their $29,498 grant to purchase turnout gear for 15 of the department’s firefighters. Turnout gear is personal protective equipment: jackets, pants, boots, hoods, gloves.

“For the past two years, Lempster’s Fire Department has not received increased funding to keep up with inflation. That has put a lot of pressure on the department to maintain the same level of safety and services with less resources,” said Ted Tillson, Captain of the Lempster Fire Department. “This grant allows the fire department to outfit its personnel with essential equipment for firefighting that they would not have been able to purchase without federal support. “

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program provides funding to local fire departments to help them improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.