Rogers Fire Department awarded $186,750 in federal funds

FILE — Captain Scot Mason, right, with the Rogers Fire Department, shows his brother Jarod Mason, with the Rogers Police Department, the extrication tools in the front bumper of Rescue 5 before a dedication ceremony two new trucks at Station 1 in Rogers on Friday, July 9, 2010.
FILE — Captain Scot Mason, right, with the Rogers Fire Department, shows his brother Jarod Mason, with the Rogers Police Department, the extrication tools in the front bumper of Rescue 5 before a dedication ceremony two new trucks at Station 1 in Rogers on Friday, July 9, 2010.

The Rogers Fire Department will receive $186,750 in federal funds to purchase "source capture systems" for each of the city's seven fire stations.

The announcement came Thursday from U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representative John Boozman.

According to the release, source capture systems include a tube that connect a fire truck's exhaust pipe and feeds into duct that releases the truck's diesel exhaust outside of the fire station. The tubes ensure that firefighters are not exposed to exhaust fumes while fire trucks are parked at the station.

“With the economic constraints many of our communities are experiencing, grants like this provide additional resources to protect Arkansans,” Boozman said in the release. “This grant will help provide our firefighters the tools they need to stay safe while serving the community.”

“I am pleased that first responders in Rogers will be acquiring additional equipment that will enhance their safety,” Lincoln said. “Firefighters work tirelessly and risk their lives to protect our communities, and we owe it to them to make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs.”

“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day, but they shouldn’t have to worry about being in danger in their own station,” Pryor said. “These funds will help the Rogers Fire Department improve its facilities and keep its firefighters safe and healthy.”

The grants are funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is intended to enhance first responders' ability to protect the health and safety of the public. AFG grants are awarded to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities. In addition, funds go toward fire trucks, ambulances and other vehicles and equipment.

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