Eureka Fire Department was one of 78 departments in Kansas that were awarded funding through the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant (KSFRSG) Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Eureka Fire Department was awarded $6,226 to be used for the purchase of personal protective equipment.
This year, over $1.3 million was requested by 79 volunteer/part-time fire departments in Kansas for safety gear, washer/ extractor machines and firefighter physicals.
Departments received over $350,000 to be used for safety gear, $45,000 for 9 washer/extractor machines, and $4,000 for firefighter physicals. Due to the high number of requests, OSFM will be requesting the 2024 Legislature continue funding this important grant.
“This grant will allow us to update our bunker gear for our volunteers and allow us to be compliant with the National Fire Prevention Association requirements” said Luke Westerman, Chief, Eureka Fire Department.
“This year, I was pleased to see so many departments that applied receive some or all of their requested funds,” Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal, said. “This funding will go a long way in providing these smaller, but vital departments with the gear and equipment they need to continue keeping their communities safe.”
Volunteer and parttime fire departments face recruitment and retention challenges because they do not have the funding to provide safety equipment. Without new equipment provided by the recruiting fire department, potential volunteers are faced with not only donating their time, but also providing their own safety gear, sharing gear with others, or doing without. There is also a proven increase in cancer diagnoses for firefighters, which can be caused by prolonged exposure to carcinogens, particulates, and biohazards. The proper gear, regular cleaning of that gear and equipment, along with preventative healthcare is crucial for a firefighter’s health and well-being.
For more information on the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant Program, visit: www.firemarshal.ks.gov/ grant
