Visclosky Announces Grants for Portage, East Chicago Fire Departments

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky announced today that the Portage and East Chicago fire departments will receive fire operations and firefighter safety grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  Portage will receive $112,437, and East Chicago will receive $90,900, a total of $203,337 for the First Congressional District.  Both departments will use the funding for firefighter safety, and East Chicago will also purchase thermal-imagery equipment that helps promote quicker rescues and fire control efforts.

According to FEMA, funding from these grants can be used for training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.  The funding is part of a $750 million package passed by Congress to provide direct assistance to firefighters.  Portage and East Chicago were two of 635 departments nationwide to receive grants this round.

“In the ongoing fight against terrorism, it is crucial that we give our first responders all the tools they need to protect the public and protect themselves,” Visclosky said.  “We know that firefighters will be on the front lines of the war against terrorism if it strikes here at home.  I will do everything I can to get them all the funding they need for this job.”

Portage and East Chicago say they will use part of the funding to purchase diesel exhaust extraction systems, which help remove diesel fumes from firehouses.  Portage Fire Chief Tim Sosby, whose department will equip two firehouses with these devices, said studies have shown the presence of carcinogens in diesel fumes, and that many firefighters have contracted lung cancer as a result.

Also, East Chicago Assistant Fire Chief Nick Dvorscak said a portion of his department’s grant will be used to purchase two thermal imagery devices.  These devices, through detecting differences in heat in a fire situation, help firefighters find and rescue people more quickly, and also help them see where the fires are hottest, which helps them control fires more quickly.

“It’ll be very similar to an infrared device,” Dvorscak said.  “It will help with quicker sightings of victims, and firefighters will no longer be blinded by smoke.  They’ll be able to see where the fires are, which means less water damage.  It’ll provide better service for our customers.”

Additionally, Sosby said his department would use part of the funding for a firefighter health and wellness initiative, including annual baseline physicals, commercial-grade workout equipment, and educating nine firefighters to be peer fitness trainers.  Sosby said fitness training is tremendously important to preserve the health and safety of firefighters, particularly older ones.

“One of the things that kills firefighters the most is heart attacks,” Sosby said.  “To have a 50-year-old firefighter doing the same things a 22-year-old firefighter does puts a strain on him.”

Funding was awarded after an application process in which fire departments had to demonstrate financial needs and articulate the benefits to be gained from the grant funds.  Departments serving communities of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a 10 percent match to supplement the federal funding.  Both departments thanked Visclosky for his support.

“Congressman Visclosky has been an advocate of the local fire departments, and he gave us support with this grant,” Sosby said.  “Without the Congressman’s support, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we’ve achieved.”

“We absolutely, positively thank the Congressman for all the work he’s done to get local fire departments all the needed tools,” Dvorscak said.