VERSAILLES, KY — U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) announced that fire departments serving the City of Versailles, Anderson County, and the City of Frankfort have received a $190,476 federal grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program to purchase a new mobile cascade trailer.
The mobile cascade trailer will be shared among the three communities and will allow firefighters to refill their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air cylinders while responding to fires and other emergencies. The mobile system provides firefighters with an on-site source of breathable air, allowing crews to refill their SCBA cylinders during extended emergency operations.
Congressman Barr voted to support federal funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which provides resources directly to fire departments and emergency response organizations across the country.
“Our firefighters never hesitate to answer the call when their communities need them, and they deserve reliable equipment that helps them do their jobs safely,” said Congressman Barr. “This $190,476 grant will give firefighters in Versailles, Anderson County, and Frankfort a critical resource they can share when responding to emergencies across Central Kentucky. I was proud to support this funding and will continue working to make sure our first responders have the tools they need to protect our communities.”
“Having the ability to refill our air packs on scene is a critical need for our firefighters, especially during longer emergency responses. This new mobile cascade trailer will make a real difference for our department, and we appreciate Congressman Barr’s support for the funding that helped make it possible,” said T.A. Rankin, City of Versailles Fire Chief.
“Our departments work side by side all the time, and this is the kind of resource that benefits the entire area. Sharing this trailer between Anderson County, Versailles, and Frankfort means we’ll have another important piece of equipment available when a major call requires all of us to work together,” said Jimmy Robinson, Anderson County Fire Chief.
“When firefighters are working an extended incident, having a reliable supply of breathing air on site is essential. This trailer will allow us to refill SCBA cylinders without taking crews or equipment away from the scene, helping us stay ready to respond for as long as we’re needed. We’re thankful for the investment in our first responders and the communities we serve,” said Johnny Carpenter, City of Frankfort Fire Chief.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funding directly to eligible fire departments and other emergency response organizations for critical equipment, protective gear, training, vehicles, and other resources that improve firefighter and public safety.
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