Poudre Canyon firefighters receive two grants

The Poudre County Fire Protection District is basking in the joy of recently receiving two grants that will help fight fires and provide better emergency response to the busy canyon.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program administered by the Department of Homeland Security has awarded the district $159,125 to purchase a 2,000-gallon water tender.

"I am pleased that the DHS has recognized the needs of the Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District," said U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard. "Firefighters work hard every day to protect public safety, and it's key that our emergency responders receive federal support where they need it."

Grant writer Bette Blinde, acting fire chief for the district, said the Poudre Canyon volunteer firefighters need to raise 5 percent matching money, or $8,325. They hope to bring their new truck from Georgia in January.

The fire district also received a $59,848 grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The district needs to raise a 20 percent match, or $15,102. Grant writer Rachel Schneider said the funds will be used to purchase a newer used ambulance for the fire station at Poudre Park. Some of the grant funds will also be used for additional emergency medical services training.

Schneider and her husband, Jon, both EMTs and volunteer firefighters, are looking for the right ambulance at the right price and hope the district will have the replacement in the canyon by November.

Those wishing to help the district with matching funds may send donations to the Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District, P.O. Box 364, LaPorte, CO 80535.

"The equipment is essential to the department," Blinde said, noting that most of the department's calls are to aid visitors to the canyon.

"This was our busiest summer on record" for emergency medical services, Schneider added.