Millersville Fire Department Receives Federal Grant

September 27, 2007, MILLERSVILLE – The Millersville Fire Department will receive a $57,000 U.S. Department of Homeland Security operations and safety grant for new breathing equipment, 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 Millersville Fire Department will use these funds to purchase air packs for its 24 members, including the department’s hazmat team, according to Chief Kirt Brinkley. The hazmat team would respond to an emergency, such as a chemical spill, along the 12 miles of interstate in Millersville.

“With new air packs, they can operate a little longer in the hot zone and meet all safety requirements,” Brinkley said. “We’re trying to improve the safety of our citizens in our community and in surrounding communities. It’s going to be a great asset to the city.”