Marshall Fire Department receives grant to replace breathing apparatus units

The Marshall Fire Department (MFD) is one of six fire departments across the state of Missouri to receive an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

MFD received the largest grant out of the six cities. They received $103,716 to replace their old breathing apparatus units.

The purpose of the grant is to enable first responders to ensure the safety of area residents by responding effectively and efficiently to fire-related hazards.

"First responders work incredibly hard to protect the health and safety of Missourians," Senator Claire McCaskill said in a press release last week. "It is important, especially in rural areas, that they have the tools to do the job right. I'm so pleased this grant money will provide Missouri firefighters with the resources they need."

Fire Chief John Rieves said, "Writing the grant and getting the award was the hard part. Until I saw the following paperwork."

The apparatus units that will be replaced are around 25 years old.

"In a few more years, what we have now will not be available," he said.

Rieves said Assistant Chief Tony Day and firefighter Ed Harper helped a great deal in filling out all the paperwork and submitting it for the grant process. They have already committed nine months to the grant and still have paperwork to finish.

"Now we have to start another process," he said. The department has to request bids from three different manufacturers, then submit them to the program office for review. "We are looking at another five months of work."

The new apparatus units have a life expectancy of 20 years. The department will purchase 20 units from the grant.

The fire department plans to replace the out-of-date units this summer.

Other departments receiving the grant are Carthage Fire Department, Caney Mountain Volunteer Fire Department in Gainesville, Gideon Volunteer Fire Department, Raymondville Volunteer Fire Department and North Crawford County Ambulance District in Cuba.

Contact Rachel Harper at

marshallcity@socket.net