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Peachtree City Fire Dept. puts grant funds to use

The Peachtree City Fire/Rescue Department was awarded a $186,592 under the Fiscal Year 03 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The federal portion would be $167,933 with matching funds of $18,659 provided by Peachtree City.

Initially, Peachtree City Fire/Rescue had requested funds to replace its aging firefighting gear, which consists of pants and coats. Due to some excellent prices that were obtained from vendors, the department was able to buy all the coats and pants it needed with some money left over. The department then requested that they be able to purchase new firefighting boots and new helmets to replace all the present boots and helmets, which were showing signs of age and wear and tear.

The department also purchased nomex hoods that every firefighter wears under their helmet to protect their ears and back of neck from heat and fire. Every firefighter was given new firefighting equipment consisting of new boots, coat, pant, nomex hood and helmet.

Not only did we replace old outdated and worn equipment, we also upgraded personal protection. The newer coats and pants are made with newer, lighter, and more heat resistant material, and many other features like radio pockets, names on backs of coats (for easier identification), etc. The firefighting boots are lighter and cause less stress to the wearer than the old rubber boots during extended operations.

FEMA also allowed the department to purchase two thermal imaging cameras that replaced two that were out of service and first generation. The city purchased four thermal imaging cameras six years ago. At the time, Peachtree City was way ahead of any department in the use of thermal imagers in Georgia. These were first generation and lacked a lot of the technology available today.

The new thermal imaging cameras have heat sensors, a much clearer view, and they are more durable. They are much smaller and lighter, but at a third the cost of six years ago. Thermal imagers are used to see through smoke when searching for victims inside smoke-filled structures.

It allows firefighters to conduct a much faster search and rescue operation. The thermal imaging cameras are also used to find fire or hotspots in a building. This helps firefighters extinguish a fire much quicker and causing less damage.

The department also purchased five radios to be used by volunteers. These will be issued to those volunteers that respond to calls. Overall, the money that Peachtree City Fire/Rescue was awarded last year was used to improve the safety of the firefighters and the citizens of Peachtree City.