LaTourette said Chesterland will use the funds to purchase about 24 new SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatus). The department’s existing equipment is outdated and doesn’t meet current safety standards.

LaTourette said $750 million will be awarded this year to fire departments across the country through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. It is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (UFA) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Domestic Preparedness. It assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments across the country, and funds are used to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, Emergency Medical Service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs. About 8,000 departments are expected to receive grants with Fiscal Year 2004 funds. More than 20,000 departments nationwide applied for grants.

The local share for these grants is 10 percent for jurisdictions that serve 50,000 or fewer residents, and 30 percent for departments that serve more than 50,000 residents. Grants are awarded to paid, volunteer and combination departments.