Albion approves spending $229,000 to replace 24 air packs for firefighters
File photo by Tom Rivers: A firefighter in turnout gear and an air pack battles a fire on June 15, 2022 when a truck with more than 400 used tires caught on fire next to the Albion Walmart.
ALBION – The Albion Fire Department has 24 air packs and those units used by interior firefighters all reach their 10-year expiration date on Dec. 31.
The Village Board voted last week to replace the 24 units for $229,000. Each self-contained breathing apparatus includes two bottles per pack and a mask.
The village has applied for a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant to cover the expense. Albion used funds from the AFG program before to purchase new air packs, said Fire Chief Jeremy Graham.
There is about a 24-week wait with receiving the air packs from when they are ordered. Graham said the new units should arrive just in time before the old ones must be replaced.
The village expects to hear whether it will receive AFG money in about two months. If Albion doesn’t receive the grant, the board said it could use money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and also dip into the village’s reserve balance and fund balance.
