Othello receives grant to protect firefighters

OTHELLO — Adams County Fire District No. 5 in Othello received a grant to purchase updated equipment to protect themselves during fire emergencies.

"This is a substantial grant for us," Assistant Fire Chief Gary Lebacken said.

The district received $125,353 from Homeland Security through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. It is a matching grant, so the department must contribute 10 percent of the sum of the grant from their budget to receive the money.

The grant replaces the outdated versions of the self-contained breathing apparatuses, he said.

The department will purchase 37 new apparatuses.

They are air packs firefighters wear at smoke-filled, hazardous locations, Lebacken said.

The apparatus protects firefighters from smoke inhalation so they can rescue people and put out fires.

"Emergency response is inherently local and these resources support those who serve us all, our nation's firefighters," Under Secretary for Preparedness with Homeland Security George Foresman said. "These are smart investments that protect our firefighters and help save lives in our communities."

Homeland Security awarded nearly $16 million worth of grants to 163 fire departments and organizations in the country and they have more money to disperse. About 5,000 fire-related organizations will share the $485 million Homeland Security plans to award through the grant program.