Smithfield Fire Chief John Blanton has received approval from the Smithfield Town Council to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The fire department is seeking a total of $160,500 to pay for several projects.
If approved, the grant would fund the installation of an exhaust removal system for Fire Station #2 in West Smithfield, replace an aging SCBA air compressor, and replace 15 sets of outdated firefighter turnout gear that is still in use.
If approved the Town of Smithfield would only be required to pay $8,025 towards the total cost.
The grant application must be submitted this month but it will take six to ten months before Chief Blanton and the department learn if the grant application has been approved.
