Rural fire districts in area get $65,000 for equipment

The Missouri Department of Conservation's forestry division recently allocated more than $65,000 to rural fire districts in Southeast Missouri that are seeking to purchase equipment needed to fight wildfires and structure fires.

More than 25 fire departments, including East County, Delta, Scott City and East Perry County crews, received up to $3,000 as part of the Volunteer Fire Assistance Fire Department Matching Grant Program.

According to the Department of Conservation, around $5.9 million has been distributed over the last 28 years to rural fire departments to help them increase the safety of their crew members by providing them better equipment.

"We received the grant two years ago. That was the first time in a long time we had even applied for it," said Dwayne Kirchhoff, East County Fire Protection District chief. In the past, East County has purchased new fire hose nozzles and navigation systems. Kirchhoff said the district will most likely purchase another GPS unit or two because firefighters perform a lot of search-and-rescue missions at Trail of Tears State Park.

Additional equipment purchased, according to the Department of Conservation, include forestry helmets for the Bonne Terre Fire Department, GPS units for the East Perry County Fire Protection Agency and safety vests for the Fredericktown and Leadington fire departments.

Delta Fire Department chief Alvin Franks said his department received its matching grant funds about a month ago, a total of $3,000, and bought new turnout gear and special lightweight fire extinguisher backpacks.

"Then we bought some signs for highway use that say 'emergency scene ahead,'" said Franks, adding that Delta received the matching grant last year, too.

Scott City fire chief Jay Cassout said with $1,648 and matching funds, his department has purchased emergency lighting for one of its trucks and some new fire hose nozzles.

Other area departments receiving the grant include the Rural Perry County department, Scott County Rural Fire Protection District and the Biehle Community Fire Protection Agency.

All fire departments are required to match the funds provided by the U.S Forest Service and the Department of Conservation.

ehevern@semissourian.com

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