Fayette EMS receives $204,000
Congressman John P. Murtha announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released Assistance to Firefighters Grants to local fire departments and EMS organizations.
Connellsville-based Fayette Emergency Medical Service received $204,000.
"We appreciate anything Congressman Murtha can do for us. We're a nonprofit. Fantastic is a light word to say about this," said Robert Topper, Fayette EMS administrative director
The grant will be used to replace cardiac monitors in 15 ambulances.
"We want what's best for our medics. New monitors are purchased every 10 to 15 years. We'll probably start trial-testing different types and come up with a consensus of a model. We're hoping to be done in three to four months," Topper said.
Fayette EMS has 19 ambulances and one quick response vehicle. The 15 ambulances with cardiac monitors are for advanced life support, while the other four are for more routine transport.
Topper said the monitors will allow Fayette EMS to comply with new ambulance equipment regulations.
In 2006, Fayette EMS received $128,000 from the Department of Homeland Security, which was used for respirators and employee turnout gear.
Topper said when he applies for the competitive grants, "I put it in for what we need."
"Nearly 75 percent of our nation's 35,000 local fire agencies are volunteer," Murtha said. "Their jobs are made more difficult by shrinking budgets that don't have the flexibility for funding equipment, training or new vehicles. These grants help our firefighters and EMS organizations respond safely and efficiently, so that they can do a better job protecting our communities."
These competitive grants are provided to fire departments and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance first responders' ability to protect the health and safety of the public and that of first-responder personnel. Since 2004, Assistance to Firefighters Grants has provided a total of almost $2.75 billion to first-responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles.
