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Fire Department Accepts Federal Fire Grant

Dec 07, 2015 12:24PM ● By Stacy Nielsen

By Stacy Nielsen

Sandy - The Sandy City Fire Department accepted a federal fire grant in the amount of $266,000 to help procure air packs and additional equipment that the fire department needs. Joe Spicer, a fireman out of Station 31, championed getting the grant for the city.

“In order to qualify for the grant, you need to fill out an application with the demographics of the city. For example, what percent is urban, residential, commercial and how it is protected. Then you have to come up with a specific project,” he said. 

This year, the fire department is looking to replace their self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) that are over 10 years old.

“There is new technology and there are new standards, and we want to outfit the fire department with the most modern specifications and technology. It can be costly, and so we reached out to the federal government for help,” Spicer said. 

“Computers need to be replaced. Outdated turnout gear and medical equipment is always evolving, heart monitors are changing, and essentially now we can use that money for the other equipment the fire department needs,” Spicer said.

There are costs that are unique to the fire department, in addition to the cost of business they have to furnish a house, such as beds and dishes. Recruiting is also a priority for the department, which has recently filled available positions. There is always a need for potential recruits interested in becoming a firefighter.                                                                                  

“There is never a problem with numbers, just trying to get the best. Skills can be learned; we are looking for personality, someone who can take constructive feedback, learn quickly and be a part of a team,” Captain Dan Christensen said about hiring new firemen. 

Those interested in serving the public as a firefighter are required to take exams making them eligible for recruitment. The Metro Fire Recruitment and Testing Consortium takes place once a year, and administers a written and physical ability test to establish a qualified list of applicants. The registration deadline for this event was on Sept. 18.