Laserfiche WebLink
0�SpU TR B�V <br /> O <br /> ti <br /> U d <br /> Y R <br /> I865 <br /> Office of the Mayor <br /> MEDIA RELEASE <br /> January 3,2007 <br /> Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 <br /> Luther Taylor, Fire Chief, 574-235-9255 <br /> South Bend Firefighters Don State-of-the-Art Gear <br /> South Bend City Firefighters are now responding to emergencies with state-of-the-art <br /> protective gear. The new safety equipment includes helmets, custom-fitted leather boots and PBI <br /> MATRIX coats and bunker pants. The upgraded gear is lighter, more comfortable, and more <br /> durable than the older models. <br /> The Fire Department was able to purchase the new equipment as a result of a matching <br /> Fire Act Grant that the department received in 2005. The Fire Act Grant brings over $300,000 in <br /> federal funds to the South Bend Fire Department to provide for basic safety tools, and <br /> importantly, to help develop a fully modern department. The City matched the grant with <br /> $100,000+ from Emergency Medical Capital Improvement Program (EMSCIP) fund #288 which <br /> is dedicated revenue from ambulance service fees. <br /> "I am proud of the professionalism and the leadership of our Fire Department," stated <br /> Mayor Luecke. "We are committed to providing the best tools, equipment, and training for our <br /> dedicated firefighters who courageously work to save lives and property, everyday. This new <br /> turnout gear should improve their mobility and their safety during the extreme conditions <br /> encountered in a fire. I am grateful for the federal grant which helped to fund this equipment and <br /> am pleased that good fiscal planning has made it possible to come up with funds for the local <br /> match,"he further commented. <br /> Chief Luther Taylor declared, "I am very thankful that the City of South Bend was able <br /> to receive a Fire Act Grant. Our projected time frame to replace our turn gear was 2006 or 2007. <br /> Receiving this grant has made it possible for the South Bend Fire Department to replace our <br /> critical safety gear on time and at a reduced cost. As a result of this grant and the work of <br /> Department Staff, I am also pleased to report that we were able to purchase the most up-to-date, <br /> state of art safety equipment which aids our Department in complying with the latest firefighting <br /> standards." <br /> - More - <br />