AITKIN - The city of Aitkin was awarded a $49,400 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).
Pat Conroy, senior funding specialist with Widseth Smith Nolting (WSN), helped the fire department with their grant application, enabling them to obtain the funds necessary to purchase critically-needed equipment and protective gear.
Funds received will help the fire department purchase protective gear, as well as a new commercial dryer that will greatly enhance operations. Dry clothing is necessary every time firefighters leave the fire station and an industrial dryer works faster than ordinary drying methods. Eliminating dirty gear will protect the public and the firefighters from unnecessary exposure to contaminants. The AFG funds received will protect the basic firefighting equipment needs well into the future.
The Aitkin Fire Department has actively sought funding assistance during the past three years. In 2010, the state government ceased funding to local governments, placing further financial strain on the fire department. The budget for the fire department decreased by more than $16,000 during the last three years alone. Not being able to receive the funding necessary for much-needed equipment through regular budgetary means, the Aitkin Fire Department turned to Conroy, who was able to help secure funding through the AFG Program.
A program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), AFG grants are awarded to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the public and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards. Three types of grants are available: Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), and Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S). For more information, visit http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/ .
