The Mississippi State Fire Academy (MSFA) has been awarded $438,950 to purchase new equipment for firefighters.
Officials will use the funding provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant to buy 51 new self-contained breathing apparatus units (SCBAs).
“This funding will enable us to equip our students with state-of-the-art SCBAs for their training, ensuring they learn with the most modern tools available,” MSFA Executive Director Kelly Elliott said. “We extend our gratitude to our congressional delegation for their support in securing this vital funding. This is a significant investment in the future of Mississippi’s firefighters and a great asset to our Academy.”
SCBAs are personal protective equipment made for use when the oxygen rate in ambient air is under 19.5% of the volume, in the presence of irritating gases, or when the pollutant concentration exceeds 60 times its occupational exposure limit value.
The SCBA is typically the preferred device for firefighters in situations when air becomes unbreathable due to asphyxiating or toxic fumes.
“I am grateful for the grant as it will keep the fire academy’s equipment up-to-date and properly maintained,” State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney said. “It will benefit the State Fire Academy and its students, but also benefits members of the fire service across our great State.”
