U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced on Wednesday that four Oregon fire departments – including Pilot Rock’s – will receive a combined more than $900,000 in federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) for crucial operations, safety and vehicle costs.
“Local firefighters who have been working hard this past week and year-round to protect lives and livelihoods throughout Oregon deserve topnotch equipment to stay safe while they’re putting themselves at risk,” Wyden said. “This federal investment in Oregon is especially timely given firefighters’ heroic work this summer battling blazes, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure firefighters have the resources they need to continue to protect communities across the state.”
Merkley said the funding will ensure that Oregon firefighters are equipped to keep Oregonians safe in ever corner of the state.
“Oregon’s firefighters are on the front lines of protecting our homes, communities, and businesses when fires and emergencies happen, and it is crucial they receive the federal support needed to safely and effectively do this important work,” Merkley said.
These grant funds will be allocated as follows:
- Pilot Rock Rural Fire District for vehicle acquisition: $370,952
- Nyssa Fire Department for operations and safety: $143,333
- Glide Rural Fire Protection District for vehicle acquisition: $371,428
- Hamlet Rural Fire Protection District for operations and safety: $99,619
“We are excited to be able to replace our old tender that has been taken out of service to better serve the district and neighbors in our firefighting capabilities,” Pilot Rock Regional Fire Department Board Chair Tim Weinke said.
This tender is very valuable to us and all of our mutual aid partners, making us stronger in the protection of the district and the county,” Pilot Rock Fire Chief Jim Critchley said.
