Date: April 11, 2021
Contact: Mike McClintock, Battalion Chief / Public Information Officer
(909) 677-7413, MMcClintock@sbcfire.org
The Fontana Fire District has secured a Federal “Assistance to Firefighters Grant” to purchase a new, state of the art self-containing breathing apparatus (SCBA) air compressor. The SCBA compressor has been installed at Fire Station 77, located at 17459 Slover Ave. Station 77, houses seven San Bernardino County Fire personnel, staffing an Engine and Truck Company. Station 77 is one of two Fontana stations south of the Interstate 10 Freeway. The new compressor will allow crews to refill SCBA bottles quickly and safely after a fire. Decreasing travel time will allow crews to quickly get back in service to run additional emergency calls.
The SCBA air compressor was purchased through a FEMA “Assistance to Firefighters Grant”. According to FEMA, the primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
“The Fontana fire district is very appreciative of the opportunities the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant provides to the firefighters in this nation. This replaces an antiquated fill station that was beyond its service life and now allows us to maintain a state of readiness while serving the citizens of Fontana.” According to Assistant Chief Jeff Birchfield, who is the San Bernardino County Assistant Chief for the Fontana Fire Protection District.
The grant provided for 90% of the compressor cost, with Fontana Fire District providing 10% matching funds for the remainder of the purchase. As of March 24, 2021, the compressor is installed and operating to support area firefighters.
