The Cicero Fire Department proudly announces that it will receive two Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) from the 2017 grant offering from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The purpose of the AFG Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, non-affiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations and State Fire Training Academies (SFTA). The funds provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability and support community resilience.
The first award is for $51,006 for the installation of a vehicle exhaust removal system for the apparatus bays. This system attaches directly to the exhaust of the apparatus. This safely removes exhaust fumes away from the personnel and reduce exposure to cancer-causing agents.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently undertook two large studies focused on firefighter cancer and concluded that firefighters face a 9 percent increase in cancer diagnoses, and a 14 percent increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general population in the United States.
The second award is for $16,745 for the purchase of exercise equipment to promote health and wellness. Cicero Fire is committed to improving the health and wellness of its responders to better serve the community. Over the last two years, the department has been able to replace a good portion of its weight equipment. This grant will allow replacement of the cardiovascular equipment that was no longer safe or functional. This equipment will be placed in the work out room on station.
Cicero Fire Department has a certified peer fitness trainer on staff that will continue to offer guidance to staff to ensure that workouts are tailored to the individual.
About the Cicero Fire Department
Cicero Fire Department proudly serves the Town of Cicero with fire and Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical services and is in the north central part of Hamilton County. It is a combination department with nine full-time employees, 22 paid part-time and 12 volunteer responders.