MARION — Chief Brian Jackvony is pleased to share that the Marion Fire Department was recently awarded $12,261 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the 2020 Assistance to Firefighters COVID-19 Supplemental Grant (AFG-S) program.
The grant was part of $100 million in funding that was made available through the Federal CARES Act. Funds were allocated to assist fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations and state fire training academies in purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect firefighters/EMTs and paramedics from contracting COVID-19.
Grant funding can go toward the purchase of eye protection, single-use gloves, surgical face masks, respirators and other supplies to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Additionally, the Town of Marion will match the grant award by 5%, bringing the total funding available to the fire department to $12,874.
“Firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, like all frontline workers, are in a job that requires them to regularly interact with the public, even during a pandemic,” said Chief Jackvony. “This grant will help us equip our firefighters and protect them as they continue to serve our community during these uncertain times. We are grateful for this generous award.”
###