Canyon fire department gets DHS grant

Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District has used a homeland security grant to purchase a 2006 4-wheel-drive Kenworth fire truck with a 2,000-gallon tank. Firefighters have also outfitted the type-2 engine with hoses, nozzles, radio and other equipment for use with wildland and structure fires.

The purchase became possible with a grant of $159,125 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The grant required 5 percent matching funds, which were raised through community fund-raising events and through a grant from the El Pomar Wildland Fire Fund.

"We recognize the importance of the fire act grants to our nation's fire departments, and we will continue to work closely with the fire service community to meet their needs," said Matt Mayer, acting executive director of Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program helps local fire departments purchase firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire education and prevention programs.

"The Assistance to Firefighters Grants ensure that the nation's firefighters continue to have the basic capability they require to do their jobs, improve safety and save lives," said David Paulison, acting undersecretary for the Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Preparedness and Response.

More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is available at the web site www.firegrantsupport.com or the grants program office at 1-866-274-0960. More information on USFA is available at www.usfa.fema.gov.