Excerpts from theChciagoTribune.com:

Carpentersville Fire Chief John Skillman said he was notified the department would be receiving $61,819 in grant funding to outfit two ambulances with Stryker Power-LOAD systems and cots. The battery-operated systems allow medics to lift and lower patients to ambulances with the touch of a button, allowing for safer patient transport and minimizing the risks of back injuries to personnel.

He said the department recently purchased a system for its new ambulance, set to be delivered in early October. Now, because of the grant, three out of the four department ambulances will have the systems … funding was provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

Since 2001, the AFG has provided approximately $5.25 billion in federal funding to first-responder organizations across the country to help purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, training, and vehicles. This year, the AFG will award $304.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types, according to a release.

thanks Dan

Tags: Carpentersville FD receives grant, Carpentersville Fire Department, Fire Chief John Skillman, Stryker Power-LOAD, U.S. Department of Homeland Security's FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant