Several Hamilton Fire Department staff members posed for a publicity photo on the day their $95,000 grant was announced for a diesel exhaust removal system. Shown from left are HFD Firefighter Taten Palmer, HFD Chief Matthew McCracken, HFD Assistant Chief Eric Lynch and HFD Lieutenant John McCracken. Photo by Paul Klekotta.
HAMILTON —The Hamilton Fire Department has officially been awarded a $95,000 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The competitive grant funding will go directly toward procuring and installing a direct source capture diesel exhaust removal system in the department’s engine bays, tackling one of the most persistent health hazards faced by local first responders.
The system costs approximately $100,000, with a local match of $5,000 needed for full funding.
For years, the buildup of diesel particulate matter, known as DPM, has posed a silent risk inside fire stations nationwide.
Every time a heavy emergency vehicle starts up, responds to a call or returns from an incident, toxic emissions containing carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and fine carcinogenic particulates fill the bay floor.
Without a direct capture system, these hazardous fumes can easily drift into living quarters, offices and turnout gear storage areas.
See complete story in the Journal Record.
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