That effort netted a $25,000 grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation to pay for new airpacks for firefighters. In addition, the department has applied for a $235,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to replace the remaining 26 airpacks.  

The frames of the packs were bought in 1992 and upgraded in 2001, based on 1997 standards.

"We're looking for alternative ways to fund the department," Whytock said.

The funding would come from the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant Program. Fire officials said some of the positions on the fire department are currently funded through the SAFER grant, but it expires in December.

 

If awarded the grant, the fire department would be able to hire 12 new firefighters. In addition, it would fund a new truck for one of the northeast Wichita fire stations. This specific firefighting vehicle has a ladder and bucket.

The truck at issue is an aerial truck. Routine maintenance in January determined there were more issues with it.  

Public Works Deputy Director Ray Garcia says, to keep it up to standards, they need to revise controls, fix suspension issues, go over the ladder and much more. He says this kind of truck is vital to the city.

The Woonsocket Fire Department used $681,819 in federal funds to purchase a new aerial ladder truck and $377,055 in federal grants were used to purchase new safety gear.  

The new truck will allow for better support for neighboring town fire departments. The truck features a 110-foot ladder and a "pre-piped waterway," which can help firefighters save valuable time during emergencies.   

The new safety gear includes 48 self-containing breathing apparatus with integrated thermal imaging cameras, new face pieces for each firefighter, two Rapid Intervention Packs and a new cascade air fill system. 

As part of the 2018 budget, the city had planned to purchase one new pumper and refurbish a 2000 mini-tower truck as well as retire a 1997 pumper from the fleet, according to Purchasing Agent Cindy Strayer.

 

However, when the mini-tower was taken for an evaluation, it was found that the 18-year-old unit had severe corrosion that could cause the frame to fail, particularly from the load stress of the aerial ladder, according to the report. There were safety concerns that this could cause possible injuries to firefighters and residents, according to Strayer.  

The report said it estimated a minimum cost of $150,000 to replace the frames with the probability of additional charges for other issues as the pumper was dismantled for repair due to its age.