U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack announced Tuesday that the Lake City Fire Department (LCFD) will receive a $208,261 Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

According to the press release, LCFD is the recipient of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant that will improve the department’s operations and safety, along with acquiring new protective equipment, such as air packs.
 
“I’m so excited for our brave men and women in Lake City to have the equipment necessary to help them do their jobs more safely and effectively,” said Cammack in the release. “Our first responders are heroes and it’s imperative that we ensure they stay safe while serving our communities. I couldn’t be prouder of our firefighters in Lake City. As the wife of a firefighter and paramedic myself, I know how deserving our departments are of this grant and I know they’ll continue to demonstrate the very best of our first responder community in North Central Florida.”

The grant is one of three programs administered by DHS and FEMA to enhance firefighters and public safety in relation to fire and related hazards.
 
“Lake City Fire Department is very excited to receive the AFG award this year to replace our outdated air packs,” said LCFD Chief/Fire Inspector Joshua Wehinger in the press release. “As a smaller department, we are constantly seeking grants to supplement our budget. This grant will allow us to replace our aging air packs and ensure that we are creating a safe working environment for our firefighters. The support we have received from Congresswoman Cammack has been above any expectations. We are thankful for her support of all first responders. She has made herself very accessible and for that we are thankful.”
   
In June, Congresswoman Cammack announced Gainesville Fire Rescue’s award of $47,122 and Alachua County Fire Rescue’s $570,954 to improve their operations and safety.

The AFG program administered nearly $320 million in competitive grants in FY 2020.