The Troy Township and Pemberville-Freedom Township fire departments have been awarded a regional FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $458,513.

This grant will be used to replace all existing Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for both departments. This regional grant award from FEMA is for $458,513.

Troy Township and Freedom Township will be responsible for $22,925, making a total project cost of $481,438.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus is one of the most critical components for firefighting operations, according to a press release. The SCBAs being replaced are no longer in compliance with today’s standards and nearing the end of their service life. The current SCBAs are showing their age. They are becoming hard to repair, and parts are becoming obsolete.

The new SCBAs will be in compliance with today’s standards. The new equipment will enhance the safety of firefighters from both departments when they are required to enter Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health atmospheres.

Troy Township and Freedom Township have an automatic-aid agreement. This means that in any area of both townships and parts of Webster Township that for any confirmed structure fire, both fire departments are dispatched immediately.

Gatchell Grant Resources, Troy Township Chief Randy Woodruff and Pemberville-Freedom Chief Duane Martin are credited with getting the assistance.