Portland Fire Department Receives Federal Grant

September 20, 2007, PORTLAND – The Portland Fire Department will receive a $48,954 U.S. Department of Homeland Security operations and safety grant, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced.

“Many communities struggle to maintain EMS and firefighting services,” said Gordon, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Even though demands on EMS providers and firefighters have increased tremendously over the years, the resources they depend on to provide their life-saving services have not.

“That’s why Congress initiated the Assistance to Firefighters Program, which is similar to the highly successful COPS program that put more than 100,000 new police officers on the nation’s streets.”

The Portland Fire Department will use these funds to replace turnout gear for its 25 members and “Jaws of Life” vehicle extrication equipment, according to Chief Al West.

“We’re very appreciative of the program and what it does for smaller departments that would otherwise struggle to replace outdated equipment and gear,” West said. “The turnout gear our fire fighters use every day is showing a lot of age and wear and tear. This will allow them to do their job in a safe manner.”