Senator Harry Reid announced Monday that Nevada fire departments received more than $2.7 million in federal grant money to help boost fire emergency response staff and purchase much needed equipment.
The grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and will enhance first responders’ ability to react to fire-related emergencies by providing additional equipment and staffing.
The Tahoe/Douglas Fire District will receive the lion's share at more than $1.1 million, helping the agency re-open and staff Station 24. This could help reduce response times and provide additional resources to the Zephyr Cove recreation area during the busy tourist season.
The Reno Fire Department will get roughly $680,000 to help fund the replacement, modernization and standardization of self-contained breathing apparatus. This will help firefighters better respond to structure fires or other calls dealing with heavy smoke or hazardous materials
And the Winnemucca Volunteer Fire Department will receive about $667,000 to fund the purchase of a new fire truck, which will allow firefighters to better respond to fires in multi-story buildings and provide better protection to first responders. The funding will also benefit the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, with whom the Winnemucca Fire department has mutual aid agreements.
Mesquite Fire and Rescue in southern Nevada will receive just over $190,000. This grant will fund the acquisition of new turnout gear. The near gear will provide firefighters with better protection as they work to keep the community safe.
