The Davenport Fire Department is pleased to announce it will receive an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the replacement of its self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
The grant of $612,369 requires the City of Davenport to provide a 10 percent match of $61,236. A required critical piece of personal protective equipment, SCBA has compressed breathable air in a bottle that allows a firefighter to work in hazardous environments such as building fires or hazardous materials situations. The department’s current SCBAs are reaching the end of their useful life span.
“I am pleased that the department has received this grant,” Chief Mike Carlsten said, “The grant will allow us to replace and improve equipment that is important for the safety of our firefighters, to keep the public safe and compliant to current industry standards.”
City Administrator Corri Spiegel appreciates the support of Davenport’s Congressional delegation in the City receiving the grant.
“I would like to thank U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack and Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst for their support of the City’s grant application. Their partnership and advocacy on behalf of the City of Davenport was instrumental in promoting our application at the federal level,” she said. “By securing these funds, this allows the City to maximize our resources and purchase new equipment for our fire service personnel.”
Davenport Fire has about 80 complete SCBA units without face masks, but about 140 face pieces and another 60 spare air bottles. Each face piece is “fit tested’ for the employee annually and personalized for ensured positive seal. The additional bottles are so responders can switch and refill bottles on-site. The grant also provides for the replacement of other personal protective equipment used by firefighters.
Davenport Fire staff, led by District Chief Robb Macdougall, will identify SCBAs that would suit the department’s needs to recommend for purchase within about a year.