South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) has been awarded a $40,000 State of Michigan Fire Equipment Grant that will be used for the purchase of firefighter turnout gear.
“This grant funding is certainly welcomed and greatly appreciated as equipment costs continue to rise,” said SHAES Executive Director Brandon Hinz.
Using local funds, a recent SHAES purchase of turnout gear for eight firefighters cost $26,000. SHAES employs a total of 17 career members and 30 paid-on-call members. Turnout gear has a 10-year lifespan. SHAES, at a minimum, has sought to purchase five complete sets of bunker gear annually to ensure members are protected and safe. This grant will help the department accelerate its purchases.
“Especially with studies linking increased cancer rates among firefighters, SHAES has been very proactive in recent years to ensure members are properly protected. These grants are moving us closer to our goal of providing all our members with two pairs of turnout gear. One as a back-up while the other is laundered,” said Hinz.
In recent years the department has replaced its entire inventory of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and installed laundering equipment at its stations.
