Area Fire Departments Benefit From Federal Grants

Some Southern Colorado fire departments will be getting some federal grant money to assist in their efforts.

The grants were announced Thursday by Colorado Senator mark Udall.

In all, 13 departments across Colorado received grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The grants, which vary in amount, allow firefighting and emergency medical service agencies to keep up with new technology and obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources to keep their communities safe from fire and related hazards, said a news release from Udall’s Office.

“Firefighters and first responders are on the front lines every day to keep our urban, suburban and rural communities safe. It’s critical that we ensure our public-safety officers have equipment that works properly,” Udall said. “This funding will help give the firefighting agencies resources that are up to the task of protecting them while they save lives and protect property,” said Udall.

The Southern Colorado fire departments that received funding include Pueblo ($40,000), Canon City Area Fire Protection District ($128,655), Walsh ($178,999), Spanish Peaks Bon Carbo Fire Protection District ($238,165),