From Chief Joseph DeWolf:
In October, 2018 the Tubac, Rio Rico, and Sonoita-Elgin Fire Districts applied for a regional communication grant from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program.
The total grant value for the three Districts was $363,646.00. Sonoita-Elgin’s portion of the grant was 31 handheld radios and 16 in-vehicle radios, equaling $108,214.00. SEFD had a 10% match, which equaled $10,821.00.
These new radios will be replacing radios that are 12 years old, a much-needed upgrade for SEFD at a great savings. The capabilities of the new radios bring the district up to current standards and federal requirements. It also keeps SEFD compliant to be eligible to apply for federal/state grants.
Over the next few weeks SEFD will work on installing the new radios in all apparatus and training all personnel on the new radios’ functions. This radio grant brings a $108,214 savings to SEFD. With these savings, SEFD will be able to upgrade personal protective gear and other small tools.