Alabama City Wants Grant to Replace Outdated Fire Equipment

Officials in Hanceville, Ala., are hoping they’ll qualify for a nearly $160,000 federal grant to replace equipment that is more than 10 years old and nearly two dozen air packs that are out of date.

The Cullman Times reports Fire Chief Roger Green recently asked the city council to approve applying for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters grant program.

The grant would purchase new turnout gear, radios and air packs – replacing items that currently don’t meet National Fire Protection Association standards.

Green says the expired equipment is a “liability for the city” if someone were to get hurt while using it, and City Attorney Dan Willingham says city’s insurance rating for fire protection could be negatively affected.