Eminence Fire Department receives grant of $114,950
Article taken from: Henry County Local, Thursday, February 8, 2007
Almost a year after applying for a grant through the 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, Eminence Fire Department learned Wednesday that it was awarded $114,950 in federal funding, the largest amount of grant money Gary Lucas has seen in his 35 years of being Eminence Fire Chief.
The department applied for the grant last March, and had to propose the items they wanted to buy if awarded the grant. The grant will allow the department to purchase 10 full sets of gear, which includes a helmet, hood, gloves, pants and boots and 10 of the newest air packs and extra bottles for the air bag breathers, which hold 45 minutes of air, 15 more than the current bottles. The bottles also have built-in alarms.
"If a firefighter goes down and doesn't move in a few seconds, an alarm goes off to help you find him," Lucas said. The department will also purchase a new set of rescue tools, which includes spreaders and cutters, and a new, upgraded high-pressure air compressor system, which will refill the air bottles.
Lucas said the general public doesn't realize how much fire equipment costs, and with the entire department being volunteers, receiving the grant financially helps the department. "Each one of those sets of gear is $1,900. One of those air packs with extra bottles is $4,800. The set of rescue tools is $30,000, so these figures, people really don't realize."
Lucas said there is also ongoing training all firefighters must go through in order to keep certification. "[The grant] is going to buy us the equipment we were going to have to buy anyway," Lucas said. "But this is going to free up some of that money that I can maybe put into other areas, buy a few things that were on our wish list."
Article taken from: The Henry County Local, Wednesday January 24, 2007
Eminence's second fire within a week destroyed a local business and living quarters. Agua de Fuego, a bar on Elm Street in Eminence owned by the Morales family, burned to the ground Saturday Jan. 13. According to Eminence Fire Chief Gary Lucas, the fire was reported around 9:15 p.m. by one of the bar's owners. Lucas said the fire was reported as coming out of the ceiling over the men's bathroom area in the bar. "It spread pretty rapidly," Lucas said. The fire also destroyed an apartment located within the structure where the family lived. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation, Lucas said.
Agua de Fuego was the second fire in Eminence the week of Jan. 7. On Wednesday, Jan. 10, the Ayers home on Crabb Avenue caught fire due to an electric space heater that was accidentally left on. "These are two of the largest fires we've seen in awhile," Lucas said.
The Eminence Fire Department received a total of 155 calls in 2006, with no major fires reported. "When you see [smoke or fire], don't hesitate to call 911 and get an immediate response," Lucas said. "Watch everything you do as far as heaters, and be extremely cautious. Take a minute and look around your surroundings." Lucas said awareness is important, as it may save local houses and structures. "Just be conscious of your surroundings," he said.
Kentucky Division of Emergency Management For Immediate Release January 24, 2007 Contact: Steve Oglesby 502-607-1658
GOVERNOR FLETCHER, STATE EMERGENCY OFFICIALS PROCLAIM EARTHQUAKE AWARENESS WEEK
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Governor Ernie Fletcher proclaims January 29 - February 6, 2007 as Earthquake Awareness Week.
How well families and homes survive depends on the level of preparedness for and response to a disaster of this type.
"We have seen the devastation which can be caused by natural disasters," said Governor Fletcher. "It is important for our officials, citizens, communities and schools to be prepared for such an event. During Earthquake Awareness Week, I encourage all Kentuckians to learn more about the effects of earthquakes and what to do if one strikes."
Steve Oglesby, Kentucky's Earthquake Program Manager, states: “We can do a lot more to be prepared. Anchoring furniture that is likely to move during a quake and practicing the Duck, Cover and Hold Drill are just a couple of examples. There are a number of things that we can do in our homes, businesses and government buildings to make them safer.” He added: “As in any disaster, knowing what to do during an actual event and preparing beforehand is crucial. Our role is to help educate and train the citizens of Kentucky to be ready if and when an earthquake occurs.”
2007 WHAS Crusade For Children Totals: $41 ,142.26
We would like to thank the entire Eminence Community for their support of the Crusade as well as the support ongoing to our Department.
