By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Aug. 22, 2001
The Meridian Fire Department is one of 10 in the state and 320 nationwide to receive money through a $100 million federal Fire Act Grant.
Fire Chief Bunky Partridge, who applied for the funds in April, said he learned of the $140,130 grant on Monday.
Officials with the federal government announced in January that the money was up for grabs. Partridge said he applied for much needed personal protection equipment.
The $140,130 grant will be enhanced by $15,000 in matching money from the city, Partridge said, money that will come out of the current budget.
Among the equipment the department will buy: 30 air packs, including pack alerts for injured firemen who are motionless; 30 air tanks; 80 face masks; 105 voice amplifiers; a computerized performance SCBA, or self-contained breathing apparatus, tester; and other testing equipment.
Partridge said he will order the equipment as soon as the money is transferred to the MFD account, probably within seven to 10 days.
Lauderdale County Fire Coordinator Clarence Butler said at least seven county volunteer fire departments including Bailey, South, Collinsville, Martin and Clarkdale, applied for some of the grant money. None were chosen.
In all, 33,000 fire departments from around the nation applied for grants in various categories.
U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss. and Senate minority leader, said the grants will help "provide a greater degree of public safety and peace of mind" for residents and for firefighters.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will continue to award the grants for other needs through September.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for the Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.
Who made the cut:
Here is a lost of fire departments that received federal grant money.
French Camp Fire Department: $18,879.
Banner Volunteer Fire Department, Golden: $16,200.
McLaurin Volunteer Fire Department, Hattiesburg: $14,295.
Madden Volunteer Fire Department: $17,245.
Houston Community District II, Marietta: $42,210.
Meridian Fire Department: $140,130.
Natchez Fire Department: $40,500.
Clay County Volunteer Fire Department: $9,513.
Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Purvis: $22,500.
Tippo Fire Department: $3,600.