Congresswoman Matsui Announces a Nearly 1 Million Dollar Federal Award to Area Fire Departments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
CONTACT: ALANA JUTEAU
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Announces a Nearly 1 Million Dollar Federal Award to Area Fire Departments
CA - Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (Metro Fire) $999,776 through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Metro Fire partnered with the Sacramento Fire Department, Cosumnes Community Services District, and the Folsom Fire Department to apply for this funding, which will allow the departments to purchase more than 100 thermal imaging cameras.
"Our region's firefighters are on the frontline of emergency and disaster response each day, and it is imperative that they have the right tools and equipment for any emergency situation," said Congresswoman Matsui. "With this funding, our local firefighters will now have access to new thermal imaging technologies and be able to better locate victims. This truly is a federal investment that will help save lives."
Thermal imaging cameras are a major tool that give firefighters the ability to see in zero visibility environments, dramatically impacting search-and-rescue operations and reducing the chances of injury or death. Losing one life because firefighters could not find a victim in time is inexcusable when the technology exists that allows them to do their job more effectively. Additionally, thermal imaging cameras give fire crews the ability to find hot spots and suppress fires more quickly and effectively.
Chief Kurt Henke of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District said, "The entire Sacramento Region is exceedingly pleased to have received this Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the much-needed thermal imaging camera's, and would like to express our andlsquo;thank you' to Congresswoman Matsui for her continued support. This is not the first time Congresswoman Matsui supported the Sacramento area fire service. She also assisted our region in securing a SAFER grant, which added greatly needed fire companies to the Sacramento Region. Grants like AFG help to add life saving equipment we could not otherwise find the money for. This AFG Grant upgrades our aging Thermal Imaging Camera's inventory which will certainly improve our ability to swiftly locate trapped fire victims, and save lives."
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