Officials with the Boiling Springs Fire District announced two grant awards totaling nearly $93,000 to aid in environmental conditions of two stations and to improve the district’s rescue capabilities.
A $17,909.50 grant was awarded by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to purchase a 14-foot inflatable raft, an inflatable boat, a motor, a transport trailer, and a propeller guard that allows the Boiling Springs Fire District to enhance its swiftwater rescue team.
“Swiftwater rescue equipment is never something you, as a department, ever want to use, but when it’s there, you’re thankful for it,” said Lt. Mike Ross, who coordinates Boiling Springs Fire District’s water rescue team “Our personnel have had to perform several swiftwater rescues within our district, and this new equipment from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation will allow us to be even better prepared for those situations – not just in our district, but throughout the county.”
“We’re thrilled to be able to support Boiling Springs Fire District,” said Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Senior Manager of Foundation Development, Meghan Vargas. “First responders are truly our heroes, it’s an honor to give back to those who put their lives on the line every day to help others.”
The second grant is $75,000 from the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The award is to install vehicle exhaust removal systems at the district’s stations on Pelham Road and Hudson Road.
“When we have personnel inside a structure at a fire scene, they’re wearing air packs. We’re giving them safe air to breathe while they do their jobs,” Chief Steve Graham said. “By attaching these systems to the exhaust pipes on our trucks when they’re parked inside the fire department bays, we’re doing the same thing. We’re taking out the toxic fumes and giving our personnel a safer environment.”