The Augusta Fire Department has recently secured a substantial Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $867,608.28, marking a significant step forward in Fire Chief/EMA Director Antonio Burden’s efforts to continue bolstering the safety and wellbeing of dedicated firefighting personnel.
“The Augusta Fire Department is propelled by the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) as a vital flame of support in the blazing heart of service. This substantial grant of $867,608.28 fuels our mission, igniting the resources we need to safeguard our community’s well-being,” said Burden.
According to a press release from the department, the grant will be directed towards two “pivotal” initiatives. Some of the grant will be utilized to equip frontline vehicles with state-of-the-art LUCAS devices, which provide automatic chest compressions during emergencies to ensure consistent and effective CPR – thus enhancing firefighter’s ability to deliver life-saving interventions.
However, a majority of the grant will be funding comprehensive cancer screenings for all firefighting personnel. Burden said detecting and preventing health issues early is essential to safeguard the long-term wellbeing of these hardworking individuals “who selflessly protect our community.”
“The vision behind pursuing these two initiatives really comes from the three priorities that I set for the department; the first being service delivery and within that being in a constant state of improvement, and then developing our firefighters professionally,” he said. “I truly feel that no matter who you are, what you look like, everyone should have an opportunity to serve others, and finally wellness, both physical and mental wellness of our team members.”
Burden also said the cancer screenings were incredibly important, because statistics show firefighters are at an increased risk of developing cancer and heart problems more so than the general population, as a result of regular contact with hazardous substances and carcinogens.
“It’s very important that we prioritize the long-term health of our members and being intentional about developing programs that will directly benefit their wellbeing,” he said. “So we’re trying to take steps to address both of those things.”
Proud of his staff for showcasing the “power of we,” Burden said the department was also celebrating another important grant which will be announced at a later point.
“That brings our total to well over $7 million in grants in 18 months, and that is huge,” he said. “We’ve been very successful in securing grants, and the last one allowed us to outfit all of our firstline units with thermal imaging cameras. So, this is just us always trying to improve and increase our service delivery.”
Burden said his department wanted to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the AFG program for their recognition of such vital initiatives, and that his staff’s ongoing dedication to prioritizing firefighter safety and community protection would be fortified by the generous funding.
“With gratitude and determination, we fan these flames of assistance, illuminating our path towards enhanced readiness and resilience,” said Burden. “In partnership with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, we forge an unbreakable bond, ensuring that our commitment to safeguarding lives and property burns brighter than ever.”
