Seymour fire receives grant for new breathing gear

The Seymour Fire Department is receiving a grant to buy new breathing gear.

According to the fire department, city firefighters will receive a $306,900 grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the new self-contained breathing apparatus equipment. The new SCBAs are expected to have a lifespan of 15 years and are replacing outdated units. The new equipment includes upgrades such as communication systems, improved ergonomics and a system that will allow an incident commander on scene to monitor the status of all the firefighters using the gear.

The city praised the grant writers firefighters Kaleb McKinney and Brady Riley for their commitment to the department and the community.

The grant requires a local match of 10 percent, or $30,690 and is being made from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters program

The fire department says the gear went into use earlier this month.