The Excelsior Springs Fire Department has announced it will be receiving two American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants worth $40,000 each, which will provide much-needed resources for the department.
Fire Chief, Joe Maddick, said the grants, which require a 50% match, include an EMS grant and a fire grant. The EMS grant will allow the department to purchase a second auto-pulse machine, which will be a great addition to the department’s aging equipment. The auto-pulse machine performs CPR, eliminating the need for manual assistance, and will be placed in each ambulance, providing better emergency care. The EMS grant will also allow the department to purchase six to eight sets of body armor, providing emergency responders with extra protection in the instance of active shootings or other dangerous situations.
The fire grant will allow for the purchase of a second set of structural firefighting gear. “We’ve only had one set ever since I’ve been here in the department and finally we have the ability to get everybody a second set,” said Maddick. Cancer is the number one cause of death amongst active and retired firefighters, and Maddick said the addition of a second set of structural firefighting gear will help prevent the spread of deadly carcinogens. “This is just something we’ve really learned about in the last 10 years or so,” said Maddick. “Anywhere gear comes in contact with the skin increases the risk of cancer, so thyroid cancer, testicular cancer, kidney cancer are all very prevalent.” With the second set of gear, crews will be able to come back to the station, throw their gear in the wash, and still have a second set for emergencies. “It used to be kind of a badge of honor to have that dirty equipment, but now we know better,” said Maddick.
The grants have both been approved, and the department will attend a state workshop before ordering the products. Once the receipts are submitted, the state will reimburse the department for the purchase.
Chief Maddick also shared some exciting news about the department’s recent hire of a full-time training officer, Captain John Potter. The position is new to the department, and Maddick is excited about the consistent training that Potter will provide. The department has never had a full-time training officer before, and Maddick believes that it will be a huge benefit to the department and the community.
Overall, the grants and the new training officer will provide a significant boost to the Excelsior Springs Fire Department, allowing them to better serve their community and protect their firefighters.
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