Training facility boosted by grant
Firefighters in District 7 -- Putnam, Vigo, Clay, Park, Owen, Greene, Sullivan and Vermillion counties -- will be receiving realistic training thanks to two grants from Indiana Department of Homeland Security. There are 96 fire departments or 1,921 firefighters who will benefit from the $102,295 grants.
The money will be used to build props and facilities such as a flashover chamber, car fire prop and fire hydrants among other things. These are realistic training exercises that will help save the lives of firemen in critical moments.
"We wouldn't be able to do this training without the grants," said Fire Chief Bill Newgent.
In the past, firefighters traveled to Terre Haute or Indianapolis to receive this training. A mobile training station has also been established for the more than 1,000 volunteer firefighters.
The county commissioners provided land for the training site. Very little money has been put into the project due to donations that have been made.
John Shafer, training coordinator for District 7, is responsible for writing the grants.