Elizabeth Fire Receives Federal Grant

The Elizabeth Fire Department and Rattlesnake, Agate and Big Sandy Fire Protection Districts recently received a grant totaling $875,976, and Elizabeth Fire used its portion to replace the department's aging self-contained breathing apparatus .

The Firefighter Assistance Grant is a federal grant provided by the Department of Homeland Security.

Kara Gerczynski, division chief of fire prevention and administration for Elizabeth Fire, said “the primary purpose of the Firefighter Assistance Grant (AFG) is to meet firefighting needs and emergency response of fire departments and unaffiliated emergency medical services organizations.”

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain the equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fires and associated risks.

Gerczynski said the department applies for grants every year, but the process is very competitive nationally and they have only received a few.

The self-contained breathing apparatus replaced by Elizabeth Fire consists of devices that provide breathable air in environments with low oxygen, smoke, hazardous gases and other airborne contaminants. “Thanks to this grant,” Gerczynski said, “we are able to fully replace our aging SCBA equipment, which was nearing the end of its life and was not up to national standards.”

Each department is responsible for a 10% financial match for the equipment. EFD also received additional funds which it used to purchase batteries and chargers for the breathing machines.

Elizabeth Fire Chief TJ Steck says, “This was a great opportunity to collaborate for our Elbert County fire departments. This grant allows us to ensure the safety of our firefighters with little financial impact for our citizens.

The EFD has also partnered with an agency called Firehouse Grants to help secure funding. According to their website, Firehouse Grants specializes in preparing grant applications for fire departments, EMS, and other public safety agencies.

For more information about the Elizabeth Fire Protection District, visit elizabethfpd.colorado.gov.

For more information about the Firefighters Assistance Grant, visit fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters.

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