Hampton FD receives grant
By Megan R. Harrell
STAR STAFF
mharrell@starhq.com
The Hampton Valley Forge Fire Department
will receive nearly $16,800 as part of the United States Fire
Administration's (USFA) FIRE Act grants. The local fire department
is one of 655 fire departments nationwide slated to receive
funding from the administration.
Hampton Fire Chief, Kelly Taylor, was notified
last week that his department would receive the funds. FEMA
requires departments to outline how they will utilize the
funds during the application process.
Taylor had requested $48,000 for personal protective
equipment used by fighters in structural fires. He intends
to outfit at least 30 men with the funds.
Although Taylor did not receive all of the funding
he requested, he was happy to receive the $16,800. "Instead
of being able to outfit 30 men we will be able to buy 22 sets
of just jackets and pants, and will mix and match so that
every active firefighter will have a full set of gear," Taylor
said.
The technology and material that goes into making
fire gear makes it expensive for rural departments. Each turn
out gear jacket consists of three layers. The first layer
protects against heat, while the second layer traps moisture
such as steam and sweat. The inside layer of the jackets is
quilted for comfort.
The total cost of a complete turn out gear suit
is estimated at $1,400. A helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, and
a Nomex hood make up the complete suit.
The Hampton Fire Department is the only one in
Carter County to be notified it will be receiving the USFA
grant. All of the departments have submitted similar applications
for funding. Taylor stated the county would provide a 10 percent
match of the USFA funds. The county's contribution will pay
for two and a half sets of gear.
Chief Taylor believes the grant will help to
improve his fire department overall. "It will help with morale
to have a good set of gear the men can trust," Taylor said.
"They went above and beyond before, but now they can do it
more safely."
