The first is a joint grant of $66,555 in Assistance to Firefighter Grants under the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

 

Kari Kepler, grant writer for the Renovo Volunteer Fire Department, said it is a joint grant to three departments - Renovo, Chapman Township and the Kettle Creek Hose.

"We will use the money to make all of our hoses and appliances compatible. That means they are interoperable when we all work together at a site," Kepler said.

 

The second grant, for $103,000, comes to the Renovo Department from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Grants. It provides money for the purchase of a 1993 Spartan Rescue vehicle. Kepler says this is a vast improvement over the company's 1964 model.

 

Finally, Renovo also received $60,962 in Assistance to Firefighter Grants to purchase 22 sets of turnout gear, a thermal imaging camera and a new washer/extractor that keeps the gear clean and gets rid of any contaminants from firefighting.

 

"These folks have done a great job in securing federal funds for the crucial firefighting equipment they need to do their jobs properly," said Thompson. "The joint grant to purchase new hoses that are compatible is great cooperation among departments."

 

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.