Bertrand Twp. Fire Department awarded $43K for breathing apparatus compressor

A southern Berrien County fire department has secured funding to help save lives in dangerous situations.

The Bertrand Township Fire Department received $42,857 in federal grant money to be used for a new compressor to update their self-contained breathing apparatuses. U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters made the announcement today that the funding will come the Department of Homeland Security via FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus sets are worn by fire fighters, rescue workers and emergency responders in hostile environments, and the breathing air compressors supply clean breathable air to the sets.

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “These new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.”