What They Bought:

• Personal protective equipment
• Air compressor system
• Cascade breathing air bottle system
• Automated external defibrillators
• Floating pumps
• Audiovisual equipment for training
• Personal computers for reports

How the Grant Has Helped:

In December 2001, a late night fire completely destroyed the Roby Fire Station in Roby, Missouri. Roby Station was the largest of the Roby Fire Department's three stations, located in Texas County in south-central Missouri. No one was injured in the fire, but it destroyed all of the station's firefighting equipment, personal protective gear, and three vehicles. The cause of the fire was never found. As the largest station, Roby had housed extra equipment, computers, and a training center. Insurance covered the cost to rebuild the station and replace the vehicles, but it did not cover replacement of all of the fire station's equipment.

In 2002, the Roby Fire Department received an Assistance to Firefighters grant, which enabled them to replace nearly all of the equipment lost in the fire and to upgrade equipment at the Department's other two stations to meet NFPA standards. With the grant, the Department purchased more than 500 pieces of firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, EMS equipment, audiovisual equipment for training, and two personal computers.

"We are really appreciative of the AFG award," says Terrell Heath, Roby Fire Department Board Member and 2002 Grant Coordinator. "The grant put us back in business. It has allowed us not only to replace equipment lost in the fire but also to replace obsolete equipment with modern equipment that increases the safety of our firefighters," he says. A new cascade breathing air system with a five-bottle tank enables Roby firefighters to refill air bottles onsite; it also will be available for mutual aid use by other departments. With the purchase of three new floating pumps, firefighters can obtain emergency water supplies from nearby rivers, lakes, and ponds. "We had been trying to collect money to purchase one AED, but it was going slowly. With the grant, we were able to buy one AED for each of the three stations," says Heath.

"It (the grant) has allowed us not only to replace equipment lost in the fire but also to replace obsolete equipment with modern equipment that increases the safety of our firefighters," he says. Terrell Heath Board Member Roby Fire Department

The Roby Fire Department provides fire, hazardous materials, and first response protection to the small rural communities located within a 420-square mile area adjacent to the southern border of Fort Leonard Wood. As of 2002, the area had approximately 1,900 structures and 4,900 residents. Fort Wood is home to several training schools, including the U.S. Army Chemical, Military Police, and Engineer Schools. The training mission expansion of the Fort has increased the population of the region. The Department's calls have increased from 60 per year (in 2002) to 100 calls per year. They respond to vehicle accidents, brush fires, structure fires, emergency medical calls, and other emergencies.

Since its founding in 1988, the all-volunteer Department has been self-supporting, relying on fundraising and dues from its 625 constituents for financial support. There are 40 staff members: 20 active firefighters and 20 in reserve, including EMS personnel, board members, and support personnel. Several Department members served at and are retired from Fort Wood; others currently work at the Fort.

"The purchase of this equipment has instilled a higher level of morale and pride in our firefighters while promoting greater community confidence in our ability to respond and provide quality fire department services," says Heath.

Story Index Page

Next Success Story >