Copper Fire grant = New Structure Gear

On March 23, 2011 an 'Assistance to Firefighter's Grant' written by former Captain Jason Robitaille was selected for award To the Copperopolis Fire Protection District. The 95/5 grant was awarded with a Federal responsibility of 95 % ($77,487) and a District Responsibility of 5% ($4,078). The total of $81,565 is to be spent on Equipment, Training, Training Materials and an Extractor (a machine that removes hazardous materials, soot, and ash from structure gear without affecting its fire retardant capabilities).

On September 28, 2011 the District received their new gear for 28 firefighters:
Structure jacket and pants
Boots
Gloves
Hood
Helmet

According to training officer Engineer Nick Maness, who prepared and presented the Board of Directors with a break down of all costs associated with the grant on April 28, 2011, the cost of outfitting 28 firefighters was "just below $70,000" leaving enough to purchase the extractor. The firefighters will also receive a NFPA 1851 class, extractor training, and firefighter 1/ firefighter II training materials.

While all firefighter gear is black, the new chief, set to start on October 3, 2011 will be in white. When asked if the crew was looking forward to the new chief, the response was a unanimous, "Yes."

By, Charity Maness