ABOVE: (Left to Right in Middle) Danville Fire Chief Aaron Marcott, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, and Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr are surrounded by Danville Firefighters during presentation of $222,000 “Assistance to Firefighters Grant” check from FEMA.
During the late hours of Thursday morning July 6th, Congresswoman Robin Kelly presented a $222,000 “Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” check, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to the Danville Fire Department at Station 3 on Griffin Street. Including a $22,000 match from the city, this grant will provide the department with over $244,000 for items needed for six new firefighters hired this past February.
The Danville Fire Department first applied for this grant early in the year, with Lieutenant Ryan Allison writing the grant. The Fire Chief Aaron Marcott also recognized Lieutenant Brian Hogg and administration secretary Heidi Godley for their help with the grant. And during Thursday morning’s presentation, Chief Marcott reemphasized all the items this grant will cover for the new firefighters.
AUDIO: Receiving this grant eases the financial cost bared out by the taxpayer associated with bringing on an additional six firefighters, which we were able to do. The funds will provide for essential PPE (personal protective equipment) items such as our gear, masks, and regulators. The grant will provide for all our essential training of our newest six members.
Danville mayor Rickey Williams, Jr stated that this grant will not only assist the Danville Fire Department, but the entire City of Danville as well.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Danville mayor Rickey Williams, Jr chat briefly prior to ceremony presenting the check from FEMA.
AUDIO: Almost a quarter of a million dollars to provide safety equipment for our firefighters. That means that now we can use that quarter of a million dollars on something else. And as you know, the needs are great in our community.
Congresswoman Kelly took the time to thank all firefighters in attendance, because recently she suffered an injury back home. And it was the assistance of firefighters that helped her right away.
AUDIO: Because I worked for local government for 13 years and I understand everything you do. And in March I broke my ankle in three places and my husband and son wanted to carry me down the stairs. But I called the fire department; and they got me safely down the stairs, in the ambulance, and to the hospital for treatment. So I thank you guys so much for everything you do.
Chief Marcott has previously told Neuhoff Media that the next grant Danville Fire is waiting to hear about is FEMA’s “Safer Grant,” which would be worth even more, up in the $675,000 range. They hope to know about that one in August or September.
The Danville Fire Department is currently at its minimum budgeted amount of 45 active firefighters, plus two others working in the front office. But the “Safer Grant” would allow them to hire additional firefighters, in addition to paying the first three years of their salaries.
PREVIOUS STORY:
