U.S. gives Fostoria grant for better firefighter gear

2/19/2005

FOSTORIA -The Fostoria Fire Department has received a $88,956 federal grant to upgrade its safety equipment.

The award from the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program will be used to buy a thermal-imaging camera, 16 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus, and 17 sets of turnout gear, which is used to protect firefighters from heat and flames, city officials said.

Fire Chief Russ Rife said the grant requires the city to make a 10 percent matching contribution. "We have stuff that's falling out of current standards," he said. "These things are quite costly, so this really provides us a good safety margin for the firefighters and the community."