Resources will help fire departments upgrade equipment, train firefighters, and more
Montezuma, Ga. — Fire safety upgrades are coming to Montezuma and Laurens County thanks to U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock.
Sens. Ossoff and Warnock are delivering new resources through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program for professional training, wellness and fitness programs, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and modifications to facilities.
The City of Montezuma will receive $105,943 and Laurens County will receive $836,173.
According to Laurens County Fire Chief Joshua McCard, the County will use the funding to purchase 91 complete sets of turnout gear, 60 new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), and 120 SCBA cylinders to replace equipment that has reached the end of its manufactured life.
Sens. Ossoff and Warnock secured resources for the AFG program with bipartisan support through last year’s government funding package.
“Firefighters in Montezuma, Laurens County, and across Georgia put their lives on the line to keep families safe,” Sen. Ossoff said. “Senator Warnock and I will never stop championing Georgia’s heroic fire departments, and these resources will help them respond to emergencies that threaten lives and property.”
“Our firefighters are some of the best among us. They run into danger to preserve our safety, and they are beacons of courage and resilience in every corner of Georgia. That is why I am honored to join Senator Ossoff in announcing these new investments in public safety for fire departments across the state,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“Senator Ossoff and I will continue working to secure additional investments so these brave public servants are able to protect and serve to the fullest of their abilities.”
“I and the entire City of Montezuma humbly thank Senator Ossoff’s generous efforts and the State for awarding our City this much needed grant,” Nealie L. Johnson, Mayor of the City of Montezuma, said. “The Firefighters Grant will allow the City of Montezuma to adequately equip our Firefighters as they bravely and professionally continue to protect the lives and properties of our valued Citizens.”
“The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant has assisted Laurens County in past years with much needed equipment. This grant is no different! It will provide Laurens County with funds to help replace aging equipment. It will assist by providing the fire department with 91 complete sets of turnout gear, 60 new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) and 120 SCBA cylinders to replace equipment that has reached the end of its manufactured life and has to be removed from service,” said Laurens County Fire Chief Joshua B. McCard. “We are grateful to receive this grant after several unsuccessful attempts in recent years. With the assistance from this grant, it quickly updates our department’s personnel with protective gear that will keep firefighters safer. This will allow for the firefighters to better serve Laurens County and its visitors daily knowing they are protected with gear that is up to standards.”
“This grant will allow Laurens County to acquire 60 new sets of turn out gear for our rural fire fighters, which were much needed. After several unsuccessful applications for these funds, I am most grateful to Sen. Ossoff and his staff for the role they played in helping us secure them,” said Jeff Davis, Laurens County District 3 Commissioner.
