Firefighters Score $140K Grant for Critical Breathing Equipment

NEWBERRY – The Newberry Fire Department will soon breathe easier thanks to a major federal award aimed at improving firefighter safety and readiness. During the Oct. 13 City Commission meeting, Fire Chief Jason Lyman announced that the department has received a $139,699.28 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), requiring only a $6,984.97 local match from the City.

The funding will allow the department to replace aging Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units—critical equipment that enables firefighters to breathe clean, independent air in smoke-filled or hazardous environments. Many of the department’s current air packs are more than a decade old, and according to Lyman, have begun to show signs of unreliable performance.

The grant will fund the purchase of new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a complete update of the department’s SCBA inventory. These systems provide the life-sustaining air supply firefighters depend on while battling structure fires, vehicle fires, and hazardous materials incidents.

The City Commission unanimously approved acceptance of the FEMA grant and the required 5% local match. Commissioners also voted to authorize city officials to execute all necessary agreements and documentation related to the grant to ensure timely compliance with federal requirements and efficient implementation.

Chief Lyman praised the teamwork behind the successful application, emphasizing that the project was handled entirely in-house by city staff. The application was written by Grant and Finance Manager Jane Sullivan, with support from Firefighter Paramedics Louis Derousie and David Voigt. Lyman noted that all three employees “went above and beyond their normal duties” to complete the detailed grant proposal, which resulted in securing nearly $140,000 in critical funding for the department.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, administered by FEMA, supports fire departments and emergency medical service organizations nationwide by providing funding for training, equipment, and facility improvements that enhance public safety and firefighter health. For smaller departments like Newberry’s, these competitive grants often serve as a lifeline for maintaining modern, compliant equipment.

With this new grant, the City of Newberry is better positioned to continue its ongoing investment in emergency services and public safety infrastructure.

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