Sandy Grants Continue
The local share of the federal grant is $54,340, bringing the total to $543,400.
FEMA announced that the Atlantic City Fire Department has been awarded $489,060 from the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) program to replace damaged equipment, including more than 100 other protective suits "that are eight years old, showing significant wear, and losing their ability to safeguard the first responders." The local share of the federal grant is $54,340, bringing the total to $543,400.
The announcement was made by Dale McShine, grants director for Region II of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "During and after Hurricane Sandy, the Atlantic City Fire Department's gear was exposed to harsh ingredients," said Vincent Granese, the department's administrative deputy chief. "It's unlikely that these contaminants can be removed, and the odds are that they have damaged the integrity of our personal protective equipment."
Firefighter PPE includes coats, suspenders, helmets, gloves, and hoods. "This grant allows for state-of-the-art gear," said Granese. "We never would have been able to afford this generation of equipment. It will be made of far better materials and will enhance our ability to fight fires and respond to other incidents."
The city is a historic beach resort, operating 12 casinos and numerous first-name hotels.