11.3.2006
Springfield, Missouri – Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt’s office has notified officials in Bolivar and Reddings Mill that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has approved Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to make equipment improvements. They are among ten grants awarded to Missouri fire departments in the third round of the AFG program.
The $94,687 grant for the Reddings Mill Fire District, located south of Joplin, would be used to purchase fire hoses and new nozzles. Chief Andrew Nimmo says the new gear would help increase water flow in fighting fires.
Bolivar Fire Chief Patty Head says it may take up to two weeks and a trip to Springfield to refill the air bottles on self-contained breathing apparatuses that firemen use. The $33,250 grant approved for the Bolivar Fire Department would give the department its own cascade system to refill air paks immediately.