North Lakes Fire & Rescue Receives $125,000 Federal Grant

North Lakes Fire & Rescue has been awarded nearly $125,000 for operations and safety upgrades from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The federal funding will allow the department to replace all of its self-contained breathing apparatuses, including air packs and masks.

Chief Darren Woods shared the announcement Wednesday on North Lake Fire's Facebook page, saying, "We are very excited to get this award, without it we would not have been able to afford this upgraded equipment! "

The total project will cost $130,840, Woods said.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide 95% or $124,298 and North Lakes Fire & Rescue will contribute  5% or $6,542.

Congressman Mike Michaud congratulated the department with the following statement: “Our emergency first responders put their lives on the line every single day for those in our local communities, and they do so without ever asking for anything in return. This funding will ensure our firefighters have the equipment they need to effectively – and safely – respond to emergency situations."

North Lakes Fire & Rescue serves the Cross Lake, Madawaska Lake, Sinclair  and Square Lake areas.