BOUCHER SECURES FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PATRICK SPRINGS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

$77,663 Federal Grant Will Enable Purchase of New Firefighting Equipment

            (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Rick Boucher announced today that, at his urging, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, is providing a federal grant in the amount of $77,663 to the Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

            “This provision of federal funding will enable the Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department to purchase new equipment, providing an added measure of safety for its members,” Boucher said.

            With the benefit of the federal funds, the Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department will purchase fifteen new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) packs, which provide firefighters with a safe air supply when battling a fire. The new SCBA units will replace older units currently in use by the Department. Additionally, the federal funds will be used for the purchase of a back-up oxygen unit, which will provide 60 minutes of additional oxygen to firefighters during emergencies.

The Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection to the community of Patrick Springs and the surrounding areas of Patrick County. The Department has 35 members, all of whom serve on a voluntary basis.

            "I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has provided this funding to the Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department. It is important to ensure that our fire and rescue personnel have access to the best equipment and today’s announcement will help further this goal," Boucher concluded.                                                           

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