FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield Fire Department is breathing a little easier after being notified of a $640,000 grant to replace its self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The grant is thanks to Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and requires a 10% local match. The Federal share will be $575,538 and the City’s share will be $63,948, coming from the General Fund. “This equipment is critical to the safety of our firefighters and to the delivery of our core services, and will help Springfield retain its accreditation and ISO 2 rating,” said Springfield Fire Chief David Hall. Insurance Service Office (ISO) is an organization that provides statistical information on risk. Many insurance companies calculate rates based on ISO ratings. A federal law requires that SCBA bottles be replaced every 15 years to maintain national standards. The current supply was purchased in 2000. For more information, contact: Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement, 417-864-1009 (office) | 417-380-3352 (cell), [email protected]