When you're suiting up to go into a burning building, the last thing you want to worry about is your equipment. Thanks to $5 million in federal grants, that’s one less problem for the Tucson Fire Department.
“When you have the best training, and you have the best equipment that gives us the best chance to help somebody in their time of need," said Barrett Baker, Battalion Chief at Tucson Fire Department. "And that really is important, to come to work everyday and feel supported.”
In 2020 alone, the department responded to 661 structure fires. That’s a sharp increase from years past and it pushed them to apply for the grants.
“We really need this and here’s an opportunity for us to get it without burdening the taxpayers,” said Chuck Ryan, Tucson Fire Chief.