The Cherryhill Township Fire Company paced into service 21 new Drager Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) June 10. The funds for this purchase were secured through a Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). As part of the grant award, 26 Cherryhill firefighters participated in a training to gain a thorough understanding of the operation of each component of the SCBA. The firefighters then donned the SCBA and familiarized themselves and tested the various features of the new units.

The grant provided 21 backpacks, 21 masks, and 42 cylinders. Some features new to Cherryhill included quick connect capabilities that would be compatible to any manufactures cylinder 2018 and newer, buddy breather intake and outlets that enable multiple firefighters to connect together and also can connect to other manufacture buddy breather 2018 and newer, in mask indictors to monitor in cylinder air remaining, adjustable backpacks that extend or shorten to the size and comfort of the individual firefighter and other unique features for added safety for the firefighter and team.

Cherryhill Fire recognizes the work of Decoplan Associates our grant writing consultants for attention to detail and feedback that produced an awarded application. Howell Rescue System our vendor for writing a comprehensive bid and thorough bid that met our needs. John from Howell Rescue for leading our training to review the multiple features of the Drager breathing apparatus. Our community and supporters who their generous donations , through our provided the funds for the five percent required match of the $150,000 AFG Grant funds awarded