First District Congressman Frank J. Mrvan Monday announced the Portage Fire Department will receive over $201,000 dollars to obtain critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel and enhance their operational efficiencies. The grant was made under the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.
“The AFG program has a proven track record of assisting firefighters and emergency responders in their daily duties to keep our communities safe. I applaud the Portage Fire Department and all of the leaders in the City of Portage for successfully identifying this federal resource to meet the needs of their residents. I will continue to do all I can to support all of our public safety officers and their invaluable service to our region,” said Congressman Mrvan.
“The Portage Fire Department is very excited and humbled to receive this Assistance to Firefighters Grant award,” said Kevin DeYoung, Assistant Chief of the Portage Fire Department. “This grant funding will allow us to purchase new portable radios, which will increase our capabilities and set us up for future changes. The new radios will be equipped to better communicate with our neighboring communities in Lake County and will Bluetooth connect to our air packs. This will increase firefighter safety and improve communications on all types of incidents. We would like to thank Congressman Mrvan for his support on this grant.”
For additional information on the Department of Homeland Security’s AFG program, click here .