AUSTINTOWN Fire department receives grant

The department will replace equipment that is 15 to 40 years old.
By IAN HILL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- The cash-strapped fire department has been awarded a $169,074 grant for equipment, fitness training and a system to remove diesel exhaust from station garages.
"It couldn't come at a better time," said Fire Chief Andrew Frost. "It's really going to be a relief that the township doesn't have to spend money on this."
Most of the grant will be used for exhaust removal systems in stations No. 1 on state Route 46, No. 2 on Mahoning Avenue in Wickliffe and No. 3 on South Raccoon Road. Frost said national firefighter protection standards state that the systems must be installed.
He noted that firefighters have been breathing black diesel exhaust when the firetrucks are running in the garage.
The exhaust removal systems are slated to cost $98,400. Frost said he wasn't sure if the systems will be installed in station No. 4 on South Turner Road, which has been closed by township trustees in an effort to save money.
An estimated $19,900 from the grant will be used for 20 sets of new firefighting gear, which will include items such as helmets and boots. Fire officials also plan to use $20,580 from the grant for six air packs; $4,914 for six new air cylinders; and $2,066 for two rope rescue sets.
Frost said the purchases will allow the department to replace equipment that is between 15 and 40 years old.
"I think it's great. It's equipment we really need," said Lt. Andrew Frost III, who worked with the Mahoning County commissioners' special projects office to apply for the grant.
Facing a deficit
Chief Frost said the department hasn't been able to buy new equipment this year because of the township's financial problems. Township officials have said they're facing a deficit this year because of increases in the cost of insurance, workers' compensation and wages and decreases in revenue.
Trustees have said they are planning to pay $383,000 out of the township general fund for the fire department this year because the township's fire levy doesn't generate enough revenue for salary increases, equipment and supplies.
They've laid off seven part-time firefighters to save money.
Frost said the grant can't be used to rehire the furloughed firefighters.
Source of grant
This is the first year the department has received the grant, which is from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The department also is to use $12,000 from the grant to buy its first thermal-imaging camera, which allows firefighters to see body heat through smoke.
In addition, an estimated $11,214 from the grant also will be used for fitness training and equipment for firefighters.
"They need to be in good physical shape," Frost said. "If not, they're going to wear down."
Frost said the department will seek bids for what it will purchase with the grant. He hopes to make the purchases within the next year.
hill@vindy.com