Okanogan County Fire District is celebrating a recent Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Administration that will allow the district to purchase new Jaws of Life equipment.

 

Cody Accord, Assistant Chief for Okanogan Fire District 6, says the district plans to test and purchase more than $62 thousand of new extraction tools.

 

The grant application was submitted last year by District 6’s volunteer firefighters and was awarded earlier this month.

 

FEMA Assistance to Firefighter’s grants are provided to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and emergency medical service organizations around the nation.

 

Since 2001, the grants have helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

 

Okanogan County Fire District 6 covers 350-square miles and uses the Jaws of life in about one out of every five emergency responses to motor vehicle accidents.

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