GIFD Receives $85,000+ to Replace Exercise Equipment

Grand Island, Neb. — For the first time since 2002, the Grand Island Fire Department will be updating its exercise equipment.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved the city’s grant request by rewarding the city $85,131.81 in federal funding. As a condition of the grant, the city is required to contribute an additional 10% of the grant ($8,513.19) for a total approved budget of $93,645.

On Tuesday, July 23, the Grand Island City Council approved the acceptance of the grant, which comes from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The program is designed to protect the health and safety of public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards. Ultimately, FEMA determined GIFD’s need for new equipment was consistent with the program’s purpose and worthy of the award.

“For years, our firefighters have made things work when it comes to our exercise rooms,” GIFD Chief Cory Schmidt said. “Now, with the help of this grant, we will be able to outfit our fire stations with very needed upgrades in equipment, which in turn will allow us to better serve the Grand Island community.”

With the funds, GIFD will be replacing 22-year-old equipment and implementing a formal fitness and injury prevention program for the department.