By By MaryClaire Foster
Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department was recently awarded a $180,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA awarded more than $5 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grant funding to local fire departments and emergency medical service organizations in Alabama.
Nokomis Assistant Fire Chief Chris McGhee said the fire department is very excited for the community.
Kurt Pickering, a FEMA Region IV spokesperson, said that every year FEMA announces grant applications and they are distributed to municipalities to give to the fire departments, that then apply and a committee reviews the applications and determines the most cost effective applicants for whatever pot of money is available.
McGhee added they feel fortunate not only for being selected out of so many applicants, but because it allows them access to new equipment, something most volunteer fire departments are lacking.
Nokomis’ grant is designated for a vehicle acquisition, with which they will purchase a tanker in the next four to six months. The tanker will be used to supply water for fire suppression.
McGhee said the board that conducts business for the department will figure out specifications for the vehicle and will then bid on it.
Pickering said the government is doing what it can to ensure emergency responders, such as firefighters have the best available equipment to serve their areas.
Nokomis has already purchased new bunker gear, a thermal imager, extrication equipment and a breathing air compressor with a grant of $117,950 received in July from FEMA. Still to be purchased with that money are new self-contained breathing apparatuses.
Fire departments needing grant money can visit the Web site www.firegrantssupport.com/ afg for more information.
Publisher Adam Prestridge contributed to this article.