From staff reports
The City of Franklin Fire Department has been notified by the Department of Homeland Security that the department has received a $40,952.38 federal grant as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program from the federal Emergency Management Agency.
The department’s grant award falls under the operations and safety category with a required city contribution of $2,047.62 toward the equipment costs.
The funds will be used to purchase three thermal imaging cameras at an approximate cost of $25,000. The cameras are used to locate trapped victims or reveal hidden fires in less-than-ideal smoke conditions.
Franklin city officials say they will help secure this much-needed equipment for the department.
The Assistance for Firefighters Grants (AFG) were created in 2001 and are designed to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel from fire and other related hazards.
The grants are awarded using a competitive process for eligible applicants whose applications best address the priorities of the program.
This is the seventh AFG grant the Franklin Fire Department has received since 2003, and the amount has totaled nearly $500,000.
Other grants assisted in the purchase of PPE/turnout gear, SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatus), fire attack hose, nozzles and a fire engine.
For more local news, visit TheDerrick.com.
