March 3, 2008  

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal  staff writer 

The City of Greenwood Fire Department is set to purchase much-needed gear and equipment following the receipt of nearly $100,000 in grant money.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham announced Friday that GFD will receive a $98,964 operations and safety grant.

“Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of South Carolinians,” Graham said. “These grants will help our local fire departments and rescue squads by providing them the means to obtain the best equipment and training available.” The funds may be used for training, wellness and fitness programs; the purchase of firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment; and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel.

On Monday, Greenwood Fire Chief Terry Strange talked about what the money will be used for in his department. One high-end piece of equipment set to be purchased is a thermal imagery camera.

“What that does, basically, is allow us to see in a room where there is heavy smoke,” Strange said. “For instance, if a person is trapped inside and cannot be seen because of the smoke, the camera will show us the outline of their body. It is a very important rescue device.”

Strange said another critical use of a thermal imagery camera is identifying whether there is an active fire inside a wall or enclosed space, as the camera will spot the fire’s heat signature through the wall.

Strange said his department has been using thermal imagery cameras for some time. He added the cost on the machines runs from $8,000 to $15,000.

Strange said the grant money also will go toward new gear for the fire department’s 49 firefighters, encompassing everything from coats and boots to hoods and helmets.

Also included in the new gear will be drag devices. Strange said a drag device is a loop worn on firefighters’ shoulders. If a firefighter falls or becomes disabled inside a burning room or building, other firefighters can grab them by the drag device and pull them out.

Strange said the new gear will help GFD meet recently introduced industry standards. He also said he appreciated the grant, which he said will help take some of the burden of equipping the fire department off taxpayers.

“It will certainly help us better protect our personnel and the citizens of Greenwood,” Strange said.

Per the terms of the grant program, the city put up a 10 percent match on the grant, bringing the total sum for the new equipment to $109,000.