AGAWAM – The Agawam Fire Department was recently awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant for $254,363.64, through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

According to a press release, “The FEMA AFG program aids communities in replacing aging and damaged firefighting equipment and helps provide training for firefighters.”

Fire Chief Alan Sirois said this is an annual, reimbursable grant that the Fire Department applied for and will use toward the purchasing of an updated self-contained breathing apparatus –  a full facepiece that is designed to protect firefighters in toxic, hazardous or oxygen-deficient environments.

Sirois said this is a 10 percent local match – meaning they need to come up with $25,436.36. In total, the Fire Department will receive $279,800 to facilitate the purchase of the equipment.

Additionally, Sirois said the grant will provide them with updated training. Although the firefighters already use this type of equipment on a regular basis, updated equipment allows for additional training measures.

The Fire Department will receive 37 individual sets of breathing apparatus.

“[It’s] utilized to replace at the end of life,” said Sirois. Currently, their equipment is about 10 years old. Sirois believes that the new equipment will “match the new technology created.” He added, “[We’re] excited because at 10 years old, that’s two cycles or ‘versions’ older.”

With this new equipment, Sirois and his team look forward to providing safety to both the fire department and the public. He said that receiving this grant is a competitive process and they’re “happy to be included.”

Before receiving the full grant, Sirois said it will take some time. The funding needs to go through a few stages and receive approval from the City Council.