| On Friday, June 7, 2013, the Union Bridge Fire Company, Inc., received notification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), that we have been awarded an "Assistance to Firefighters Grant" (AFG) in the amount of $70,659. The grant is for the installation of five (5) mobile data terminals, a computer for networking/administrative purposes and an ADASHI software program. Engine 81, Engine/Tanker 82, Rescue Squad 8, Ambulance 89 and Utility 8 will be outfitted with the mobile data terminals. The main network computer will be located at the fire station.
The system will allow emergency responders to access communications, live incident information, GPS mapping of response locations, optimal response route mapping, water source locations, Hazardous Materials information/locations and fire hazard survey information, directly to our equipment during emergency and/or non-emergency responses. The system will also improve our interoperability with neighboring fire companies who already have these capabilities.
The FEMA 'Assistance to Firefighters Grant' was established after the 9/11 attacks on our great country. It provides grant money for fire service organizations to improve their ability to provide fire, rescue and EMS services to their communities and regional mutual aid response areas. Fire apparatus, firefighting gear and firefighting equipment are just some of the things this type of grant can help fire departments with, who are struggling to keep up with current fire, rescue and EMS service responsibilities and technology. For more information about federal grants available to fire service agencies, go to our 'Grants' page located in the 'Finance' dropdown menu on our home page. You can also go the FEMA website at http://www.fema.gov/ for the lastest information on our nations safety web.
We originally applied for this grant in 2009 and have submitted a new grant request each year since. The Officers would like to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to Gene Curfman for his diligent work in writing and submitting the grant requests for this computer system over the last 4 years. His work has helped us continue to keep up with the technological advances in today's ever changing fire service. |
