Blackshear, Ga. — Fire safety upgrades are coming to Blackshear thanks to U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock.
Sens. Ossoff and Warnock are delivering $211,146.66 to the City of Blackshear through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.
According to Blackshear Fire Chief Bucky Goble, the Fire Department will use the funding to replace their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units, vital for firefighters to respond to emergencies, and to purchase a new compressor/filling station for refilling the SCBA cylinders.
Sens. Ossoff and Warnock secured resources for the AFG program with bipartisan support through last year’s government funding package.
“Firefighters in Blackshear 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.”
“We are excited to receive news of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant award to the Blackshear Fire Department,” said Blackshear Fire Chief Bucky Goble. “The funding will be used to replace our self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Our current units are over 15 years old. This grant will get the department into breathing apparatus that meets the current NFPA standard. The department will also purchase a compressor/filling station for refilling the SCBA cylinders.”
