A $50,762 grant was received by the Somers Fire & Rescue Department from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be used for the purchase of turn-out gear.  Chief Carson Wilkinson reports that with those funds, 16 pairs of bunker pants, 18 bunker coats, 36 helmets, and 39 pairs of boots will be purchased.  The new turn-out gear will replace current gear that is over ten years old, the standard that has been set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  The ten year standard was adopted to reduce safety risks and potential hazards.
 

The FEMA grants were submitted by Somers Fire & Rescue in October, 2015.   By obtaining the grant, the Department will then be able to establish a replacement program to avoid future large replacement costs.  The Village/Town of Somers is required to match 5% or approximately $2,600.00, which is included in the 2016 budget.