Contact: Jason Bostic – FFII/PIO/CFSI
Tel: (740) 627-1664
jbostic@fredericktownfire.net
The Fredericktown Community Fire District was selected to receive an equipment grant through the State Fire Marshals (SFM) Office and was notified over the weekend. Grant money totaling $10,000 was awarded to the FCFD for the purchase of self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective clothing.
“Being fortunate enough to be awarded this grant is beneficial from a monetary savings perspective to the department, and an increase toward the safety of our firefighters,” said FCFD Chief Scott Mast. “We are continually seeking grant opportunities to enhance our operational capabilities, training advancements, and safety of our personnel. Through grants we are able to do this at minimal to no cost to the FCFD and consequently a savings to the community.”
Grant funding from the SFM it will go to serve two projects for the district, the purchase of lighter weight 45-minute rated SCBA cylinders and secondly the purchase of protective hoods for firefighter personnel to wear.
Currently the SCBA utilized by the FCFD are 60-minute rated cylinders that are heavier and more cumbersome. The process for slimming the weight and overall size of firefighter SCBA is something that the district had been working on and still has additional grants out to complete this process. Current bottles will be utilized as spares, for training, and for running air-operated tools.
“The shift to 45-minute bottles puts us more in line with peer departments in the area and in the industry as a whole. By reducing weight we reduce fatigue, by reducing fatigue we help reduce the risk of health issues,” said FCFD Public Information Officer Jason Bostic. “While there is less air capacity in the bottles, the actual productive work cycle for the firefighters is still substantial, more efficient, and safer. The longer a firefighter work cycle before transitioning to rehab to be evaluated, the higher the risk for health problems such as overexertion, cardiac related issues, stroke, and trip hazards.”
Firefighter hoods are the second piece of the grant which funding will allow the purchase of. The hood covers the head, neck, and extends down to the shoulders to help protect from heat. Hoods utilized by the FCFD protect well against the heat, but do not meet upcoming standards that address cancer prevention by blocking chemical and carcinogenic particulates from being absorbed into the body. Areas on the head and neck have some of the highest absorption rates on the human body and thus are a pathway to cancer for the firefighter. A newer design of hood that the FCFD will purchase places a particulate barrier 
between two layers of fire resistant material.
“Statistics for firefighters that are being diagnosed or dying from cancer all over the United States are astronomical. By purchasing hoods that provide a barrier that reduces cancer causing toxins from entering the body, we are better protecting our firefighters,” said Bostic. “These particulate hoods along with other decon and cleaning measures after a fire are a huge step in providing better safety by reducing risk.”
Interim State Fire Marshal Jeff A. Hussey announced on Monday morning that the FCFD was one of 153 departments awarded from 59 counties in throughout the state. In total, this grant provided $1,538,011.26 million in equipment to local governments in the state of Ohio.
“This grant helps fire departments get the basic tools and equipment they need to ensure Ohio’s firefighters, and their communities, are safe, sound and secure” Marshal Hussey said. “These funds are especially impactful for smaller departments that have tight budgets.”
The Fredericktown Community Fire District operates from two stations within the 115 square mile district in northwest Knox County. Fire and rescue services are provided by a team of 25 firefighters with varying levels of experience from the basic 36-hour to the 240-hour professional firefighter certification.