COMMERCE – The Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Commerce Fire Department a grant worth more than $10,000 to help enhance public safety.
The funds will provide for the purchase of an inflatable fire house to be put toward campaigns to educate residents on fire prevention, juvenile fire setter interventions and arson prevention and awareness programs.
Commerce Fire Chief Brian McNevin says the new device should be delivered in the next several weeks, giving officials the opportunity to showcase during the Bois D' Arc Bash.
According to a release issued by Texas Senator John Cornyn, "This funding will help make sure first responders at the Commerce Fire Department have the resources necessary to keep the surrounding community safe. We have a responsibility to support those working on the front lines every day to protect families, homes and property."
The City of Commerce will pay just over $1,000 in matching funds for the grant, which was included in the current budget.
Chief McNevin hopes this is one of several grants the city receives. The Commerce Fire Department is currently awaiting response on three grants; $262,000 to replace SCBA (Self contained breathing apparatus) equipment, $400,000 toward a new fire engine, and $1.4 million to refurbish the department's substation on the north side of town.