Fort Washington Firefighters to Get New Duds

Fort Washington Fire Co. firefighters will get some updated gear, thanks to a recent grant.

The fire company was awarded a $67,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security late last month for the purchase of new personal protection equipment.

See which other fire companies across the nation received money through the grant.

The money will be used to purchase 27 sets of structural firefighting turnout gear, which includes pants and coats that allow firefighters to enter burning structures where temperatures can exceed 1,000 degrees.

The turnout gear provides a heat and moisture barrier to protect the firefighter from fire and steam. The fire company currently uses turnout gear that is over 10 years old.

The AFG was limited to four types of use, according to the application: operations and safety, vehicles, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and regional projects. The amount of funding for this year's installment was $285.6 million.

Captain Andy Rathfon, who led the grant committee, was instrumental in landing the money. The committee comprises volunteers within the fire company who use their personal time to seek out, and apply for, various grants. Since 2005, the grant committee has secured $353,300.

Rathfon and his predecessor, William Gift, have landed grants for everything from rescue tools to mobile computers to boats and motors for providing water rescues.