Fire Department Applies for Federal Grant  (April 10, 2003)

The Washington Township Fire Department recently applied for a Federal grant for the purpose of replacing all self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), spare air cylinders, supporting software, rapid intervention appliances and replacement cascade stations for the 85 SCBA-certified firefighters in the Department. Each of the three companies, Fairmount, Schooley’s Mountain, and Long Valley, requires 15 SCBAs and spare air cylinders be replaced, for a total of 45. The total number of old masks that require replacement is 85; 23 for Fairmount, 32 for Schooley’s Mountain and 30 for Long Valley Fire Company. Each of the 85 SCBA-certified firefighters requires his/her own mask as they are fit tested annually and require an individualized fit.

As part of our effort to develop a fully functional Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) in compliance with the 1992 edition of NFPA 1500, each company requires supporting equipment, monitoring software and Rapid Intervention appliances, for a total of three. A RIC training program began in 2002. Each company also needs refill capabilities at its own station. Long Valley purchased a new cascade (air refill) system in 2001, so only two are required.

This basic equipment will replace the air packs in use, which are at the end of their useful life. All are 12-15 years old. By regulation, each bottle must be disposed of after 15 years or five hydrostatic tests. Some bottles have had their final test and all remaining will have their final test in 2004. Existing packs are used on all responses (over 400/year - Standard Operating Guidelines specify they be donned en-route).

The Department currently spends over $10,000 a year to repair existing equipment. To upgrade existing equipment, the cost would exceed $2500 per unit. Plus, to upgrade the existing packs, they would not compatible with Rapid Intervention Crew hookup requirements (the proposed model is) and do not meet NFPA requirements for integrated P.A.S.S., redundant alarm and visual alarm. Replacing all SCBAs at once provides compatibility and interoperability for all three companies and mutual aid groups, since older packs and masks are not interchangeable with new ones. The new packs are rated for 45 minute use at 4500 psi that affords a lighter weight and longer working use.

The proposed SCBA meets the following criteria:

* Approved under NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84, Subpart H
* Complies with NFPA Standard 1981 for Open Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Fire Fighters (with Heads Up Display and universal RIC coupling)
* Mutual aid compatibility will remain
* This SCBA has been submitted for approval by NIOSH under 42 CFR 84.63(c) for occupational use by emergency responders against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents
* Available through state contract vendors, assuring lowest purchase price
* Lighter weight cylinder
* Lower cost of ownership due to a 5-year hydrostatic test interval
* Harness is more ergonomically correct and lighter with more lumbar and shoulder padding for comfort
* Integrated Computer Module provides integrated PASS and Redundant Alarm
* Digital and analog pressure display, estimated air supply gauge in minutes based upon breathing rate of operator
* Downloadable usage reports will help with maintenance record keeping and investigations into injuries of firefighters

The grant funds, if received, will be used to purchase this personal protective equipment. The Washington Township residents and firefighters will benefit from the proposed acquisition of new personal protective equipment through improvement of the volunteer fire companies’ ability to respond to fire and other emergency response needs. They will be equipped with up-to-date, NIOSH approved and NFPA-compliant SCBAs, so our firefighters can more safely respond whenever the community needs them. Additionally, this equipment will help the Department prepare to respond to a potential terrorist threat, as the SCBA model chosen is scheduled for NIOSH approval for first responder use against chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials.

Washington Township has provided funding for equipment in operating expenses per year over the last several years in support of the Fire Department’s mission. The equipment proposed for purchase with the grant will cost more than twice the Fire Department’s annual operating budget. The Township’s budget, like many others has felt the pinch of a slowing economy and lower tax income.

Both the Township and Morris County are working toward improving the capabilities of our first responders in light of the nation’s potential terrorist threat. Our emergency management coordinators, health departments, police and other organizations are making strides to improve our readiness by addressing communications, interoperability and response equipment needs. For example, the Morris County Emergency Management Office plans to purchase a reverse 9-1-1 system for all municipalities within the county to use.

The expenses involved in developing this kind of cooperative and modern infrastructure makes this grant critical to meeting our basic firefighting equipment and emergency response needs.

The Department hopes to learn as to whether or not the grant request will be approved by the US Fire Administration branch of FEMA, within the next few months.