Fire District No. 5 gets new equipment

GRANT COUNTY — Grant County Fire District No. 5 is getting new equipment, thanks to a $196,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Republican Congressman Doc Hastings visited the fire district Thursday to present the grant.

With the money, the district is purchasing 110 new sets of structural equipment, said Fire Battalion Chief Leonard Johnson. Sets include coats, boots, helmets, hoods, pants and gloves.

"(Hastings) has been a big supporter of all agencies here on the grant program," Johnson said.

The average age of the district's current equipment is 12 years old. Most date from 1992 to 1998, and the oldest is from 1987.

Firefighters are wearing four different styles of equipment, Johnson said.

"There's been some very drastic changes in structural gear technology in the last 10 years," he said.

He anticipated the equipment is going to be purchased near the end of April and arrive by the end of June.

Fire District No. 5 spends roughly $16,000 to $20,000 each year on updating equipment. At the current rate, it would take 10 years to catch up with today's technology, Johnson said.

This year the district is spending its equipment budget on bags to protect the new gear from ultraviolet light damage.

During Hastings' visit Thursday, he took a tour of the facility and gave a 10-minute speech.

"This is the first time he's been out to see us," Johnson said.

According to the district's safety initiative, 89 percent of equipment is more than 10 years old. The newer equipment is made of improved outer shell material, Johnson said. Handles are built into the backs of the coats so firefighters can be pulled out of a dangerous situation.

The fire district has 94 volunteers and 20 career firefighters.