Home » AFG Grants Home » AFG Success Stories » Owls Head - Mt. View Fire Company

What They Bought With the 2004 AFG Grant:

• Two 500 GPM portable pumps
• Combi Cutter/Spreader extrication tool
• Ten Portable radios
• Fifteen Pagers
• Two AEDs

What They Bought With the 2003 AFG Grant:

• PPE and Turnout Gear for all members

How the Grant Has Helped:

The Owls Head – Mt. View VFD is a rural volunteer fire department with limited funding located 30 minutes from the closest mutual aid company. Although they have a population of approximately 2000 people, it increases dramatically to almost 4000 during seasonal fluctuations. Because of the time it takes for mutual aid to arrive, they needed to be self-sufficient for an extended period of time.

All of the equipment purchased with the grant has played a monumental part in making their firefighters and their citizens safer.  Their PPE and turnout gear was over 15 years old and department averaged 1-2 injuries per year. Since the new PPE was put into service in December 2003, no firefighter injuries have occurred. Furthermore, they now have the capability to conduct interior attack operations that would not have been possible with the old PPE.

In 2005, an electrical fire started in an occupied bedroom on the second story of a three-story structure. The new PPE allowed an interior attack crew to rescue 2 adults and a child from the second story. The fire was contained to the room of origin and attic, resulting in minimal damage. The family was able to return to their home 3 days later. This rescue would not have been possible without the new equipment provided by the AFG Grant.

They were fortunate to receive another AFG grant in 2004. Part of the funding was used to replace two old and unreliable 1950's military surplus pumps. With the reasonable water supply provided by the new 500 GPM portable pumps, firefighters can more safely conduct interior fire attack operations. In addition, they purchased portable radios for all seated positions in the department. Not only do the portable radios purchased with the grant provide for more efficient and organized operations, but they also enhance firefighter safety by providing them with a way to call for help on the fire ground. Equally important, the effectiveness of the new pagers has improved staff response to fire and EMT emergencies by 50%, resulting in more responders on the scene during an emergency.

Firefighters who are better prepared to deal with fire and rescue emergencies can more effectively protect citizens. Prior to the purchase of the extrication tool, mutual aid from a department with an extrication tool was 30 minutes away. The Combi Cutter/Spreader extrication tool purchased with the 2004 AFG grant reduced rescue time for individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents. The extrication tool has been used at 12 calls since it was placed in service. It reduces extrication times by 30 minutes and this time often makes the difference between life and death for critically injured patients. At one incident, a minivan went over a bridge and a child was trapped in the vehicle. Rising water in the minivan was a concern, but they were able to quickly free the child and transport her to ER for evaluation.

Both AEDs have played a critical role in saving the lives of two citizens. One of the AEDs is utilized extensively on the department's ambulance, resulting in a life saved. The other AED was installed at a local children's camp and played a very important role in saving the life of a young child.

As a result of improved communications, the response to emergencies is more coordinated and staff response time is quicker. Moreover, the better water supply significantly increases the department's ability to save and protect structures.