LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The Volunteer Fire Department has has been able to purchase new gear thanks to a $117,000 federal grant. 

 

The department was notified Oct. 7 that it had been awarded the grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Fire Fighters Program.

 

The grant paid for 18 new self-contained breathing apparatus units, or SCBA. The new Scott Pro III air packs will replace the 14-year-old units now in service. 

 

Deputy Chief Cody Sanderson researched the numerous companies that manufacture SCBA equipment before deciding to purchase the Scott Pro III. Each new SCBA unit, which consist of the harness, air bottle, regulator and face mask, is lighter, more compact and will provide the latest technology in safety features. 

 

Used on the fireground for entering a burning building, or any time firefighters are exposed to hazardous conditions, the SCBA units will provide state-of-the-art protection to Lanesborough firefighters.

 

The FEMA grant required a 5 percent match from the town of Lanesborough. The $5,850 in matching funds were voted at the annual town meeting last June. The remaining $111,150 was provided by the federal grant. The cost of each SCBA unit is $6,500. So for less than the cost of one unit, the Fire Department and the town received 18 new SCBA units. 

 

Firefighters began set up and training with the new equipment this week, and expect the units to be in service by the beginning of the new year.

 

The firefighters received assistance in writing the grant proposal from A.J. Jusino, president of Emergency Response Consultant Group, and town resident Neil Myers. The members of the Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank ERCG, Myers, Town Manager Kelli Robbins, the town Finance Committee, the Board of Selectmen and most importantly, the townspeople of Lanesborough for their support.

 

This report was submitted by P.J. Pannesco, treasurer for the Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department.