Flathead Electric Co-op's Roundup for Safety Board on April 11 awarded $52,174 in grant funds supporting 13 community safety projects.
The Columbia Falls Fire Department requested $10,000 toward the purchase of a respirator fit tester. This device tests firefighters’ masks to ensure a proper and safe fit.
“We wear these masks when we enter structure fires,” said Fire Chief Karl Weeks, “And the fit tester makes sure that dangerous gases don’t enter our masks as we work. Those gasses are a short-term and long-term hazard for firefighters, as they respond to emergencies, and further down the road.” Each firefighter has his or her mask and the fit test is performed at least once annually. The fire department plans to offer the use of the device to other area firefighters.