Oakland receives one of two firefighter grants through FEMA

WASHINGTON – Two different firefighter-related grants for Maine’s Second District have been issued through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program benefiting Oakland and Bangor-area fire departments.

“When our firefighters across Maine rush to the scene of an emergency, they must have the tools and resources they need to get the job done and to protect their own safety,” commented Congressman Bruce Poliquin. “I’m extremely pleased with the news of these important grants and training efforts for our firefighters in Maine, so they can continue to perform their critical services for our families and communities.”

The goal of the Rapid Intervention Team is to administer the proper training for conducting rescue operations in cases in which firefighters become disoriented, trapped or incapacitated within a structure. In these cases, fire departments would be able to call upon nearby departments in the region for assistance in conducting such a rescue operation.

The grants are awarded from the U.S Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The AFG was created to help provide funds for fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations so they can purchase equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources to better protect the public and emergency personnel.