Town fire departments to receive training and equipment to improve public and firefighter safety
 

Chellie meeting with Maine fire chiefs.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program would help two Maine cities improve public safety by providing critical training and equipment. Portland has received funds for firefighter and officer training and Westbrook received a grant to equipment to test the air for toxic chemicals.
 
“Our local fire departments are providing an incredible service by keeping us safe and giving us the sense of security we need to live our lives,” said Pingree. “This program is helping make them even stronger by providing them with the gear and knowledge they need to do their jobs. Not to mention saving local taxpayers thousands of dollars.”  
 
At her Washington office yesterday, Pingree met with local representatives of the Maine Fire Chief association to talk about the AFG program, as well as volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention, and training facilities. In above picture, they are (right to left) Durham Fire Department Chief William St. Michelle, Sanford Chief Raymond Parent, Wells Chief Daniel Moore and South Portland EMS Coordinator Michael Carroll.
 
With a $119,000 AFG grant, the Portland Fire Department will bring its firefighter and officer training to National Fire Protection Association standards, said Fire Chief Fred LaMontagne.  The training includes structural firefighting, fire ground command, and scene safety.
 
The Westbrook Fire Department will use $8,600 for a total of eight meters that will test the air for toxic compounds. Four meters—one for each of the city’s main response vehicles—test for hydrogen-cyanide.  The chemical is a byproduct of burning cloth furniture and carpeting and can lead to serious illness. The remaining meters will test for other gases, such as fatally toxic carbon monoxide.
 
“It’s going to be a great asset to us,” said Westbrook Fire Chief  Michael Pardue.  “It will certainly be an aid for the safety of the public and first-responders.”
 
The city has not had the meters before.  They will not only be used to see if fire scenes are safe for firefighters, but also if the surrounding areas are toxic for bystanders. Without the meters, personnel would not be able to detect the odorless, transparent gases.