U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) are espousing the benefits of three Oregon fire districts receiving a combined nearly $100,000 in federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG).
The City of Coos Bay would receive an allotment of $32,380, while Siletz Rural Fire Protection District and Sheridan Fire District would receive $34,238 and $35,238, respectively.
“Every day, firefighters in local fire districts—both union and volunteer—put their lives on the line to protect our communities in Oregon,” Wyden said. “Local firefighters have been on the front lines of fire season this year and every year. They deserve the equipment and training to do their jobs to the best of their abilities so that our friends, neighbors, and loved ones can continue to stay safe.”
The grants help firefighters and first responders acquire essential resources to bolster response capabilities while enhancing efforts to protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel from fire and other related hazards.
“Oregon’s firefighters work tirelessly, risking their lives to keep our homes and communities safe. It is crucial for local fire districts to have the resources they need,” Merkley said. “This funding will ensure that the dedicated firefighters in Coos Bay, Siletz, and Sheridan are well equipped and prepared to keep protecting the Oregonians they serve.”
Coos Bay Fire Department Chief Mark R. Anderson said without the grant support, many communities such as Coos Bay would be forced to utilize obsolete tools.
“Coos Bay Fire Department will replace our outdated Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC),” Anderson said. “These TICs allow firefighters to see through smoke and low light environments to find hot spots or even victims by using the temperature differences to create a picture.”