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By John Hernandez
Thanks to an Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG), Pinal Rural Fire Rescue (PRFR) has received $140,000 in fire fighting equipment. The grant is part of FEMA money available through the Federal government.
The grant has allowed Pinal Rural to purchase 12 SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) units, two Jaws of Life and supporting equipment which includes a dual pump, mini-pump, and a Kevlar line which is a smaller, lighter and flexible air hose. The equipment was purchased from FDC Rescue Products.
In addition to this safety equipment, they have received a rescue vehicle donated by Corona de Tucson and a second basic life support medical unit vehicle donated by the Golder Ranch Fire Department.
Pinal Rural has 11 new volunteer fire fighters. They have all graduated from Pima Academy and are certified Fire Fighter 2 EMTs. The firefighters all drive in from the Tucson area and live in Oro Valley, north Tucson and Catalina. The firefighters will be Wildland Firefighter trained and will be working to get their Red Card.
Paramedic Deanna Paine has been trained to install and service Home Alone Safe Alone units in the PRFR service area. This free service is provided through TRIAD and is to help the elderly in the area.
The unit is set up through a phone line. The participant is provided with a pendant that is worn around the neck. The pendant has an emergency button that can be pressed if the participant should fall or need medical attention. Pressing the button alerts the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office who then alert emergency personnel including PRFR.
If you would like to have a unit installed in your home free of charge, contact PRFR at (520) 465-3393.
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