Sisters fire department wins safety grant

The Department of Homeland Security announced this month that the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department has received a $115,485 grant dedicated to fire department operations and safety

programs.

The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants.

"Ensuring the health and well-being of staff and firefighters is the number-one priority of the fire district," said Fire Chief Tay Robertson. "One of the critical safety tools that firefighters utilize is their breathing apparatus, which are used to breathe clean air in fire and other hazardous environments."

A single complete SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) unit costs up to $5,000. The grant was requested due to the fact that 29 of the current breathing apparatus are not in compliance with current standards and have been in service for many years, Robertson explained.

Grant funds will be used to purchase 29 SCBA upgrade kits which include all necessary components.

Robertson thanked the local community for their continued support.

"The fire district realizes

the importance of grant opportunities, particularly in our current economic environment," he said. "We will continue to apply for grants to help supplement current programs and ensure the community's safety as well as the safety of our firefighters and medical responders."