Carpentersville receives federal grant for firefighters' air packs

A $238,637 grant awarded to the Carpentersville Fire Department will fund a new supply of air packs for firefighters to use hazardous conditions.

The federal funding, plus the village's 10 percent match of $23,863, allows the fire department to replace its 10-year-old breathing apparatus with 35 new air packs, said firefighter Tony Ferreiro, who wrote the grant proposal.

The self-contained breathing apparatus, which cost thousands of dollars each, typically last about a decade before starting to wear and become outdated, Ferreiro said. Though the need for new air packs hasn't become dire, he said, he wanted to be proactive in getting new equipment while ultimately saving the village money.

"It's something that we couldn't afford in the near future because it's such a big-budgeted item," Ferreiro said. "You can't just replace one at a time. You have to replace all of them at once. That's a big burden, and it would've been a big burden on taxpayers."

This is the fifth federal grant the fire department has received since 2009, thus saving Carpentersville a total of $404,500, Fire Chief John-Paul Schilling said. The funding has allowed the fire department to buy new structural fire helmets, purchase diesel exhaust removal systems for the fire stations, install mobile data terminals in emergency vehicles, and most recently, outfit ambulances with power cots and lift systems.

The applications for all five grants were written or cowritten by Ferreiro, who was recognized Tuesday at a village board meeting. Village Manager Mark Rooney also presented Ferreiro with a letter of appreciation for his efforts.

The fire department hopes to receive the new breathing apparatus by January, Ferreiro said. A group of firefighters is testing different types of air packs to determine which is best in smoky conditions and other dangerous situations.

Ferreiro said he will continue seeking grant opportunities based on discussions with battalion chiefs and other firefighters about the department's needs. Village and fire officials must also sign off on the concept.

Grant proposals are typically written during his down time at work or while he's off duty, Ferreiro said, noting his colleagues proofread his work.

Schilling was imporessed.

"As a new fire chief, I'm incredibly honored to be surrounded by individuals who take it upon themselves to work outside the realm of what a traditional firefighter does," he said.

For Ferreiro, taking the time to apply for grants is about more than saving money; it's about protecting Carpentersville firefighters while they're on duty.

"(Grants) are a lot of work, a lot of effort and a lot of time," he said. "But in the grand scheme of things, it's a small part to play in helping the people I work with get home to their families."