Portland Fire Department Accepts FEMA Grant

PORTLAND, Maine -- The Portland Fire Department accepted an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from FEMA in the amount of $681,819. The grant award allowed the City to purchase a new 2019 Pierce Enforcer Heavy Rescue Vehicle equipped and operated as a special operations company.  

The new truck is substantially larger than its predecessor, a 1999 Freightliner PT Custom,  and provides for a significant improvement in the Fire Department’s ability to carry the specialized equipment needed for disciplines including vehicle extrication/stabilization, hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction, rope rescue, confined space rescue, water rescue and structural collapse. The vehicle is the only staffed heavy rescue in the State of Maine, and is considered a regional resource for other departments for these types of incidents.  

Fire Chief Keith Gautreau said, “not only does this new truck save taxpayer money but it allows us to carry the tools needed to perform all of the specialty functions our firefighters are trained to perform. I’d like to thank FEMA for awarding us this grant. The citizens of greater Portland are fortunate to have this vehicle in operation.”