Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) along with City of Converse Mayor Suarez and Fire Chief Richard Wendt presented a $195,000 in grant funds to the Converse Fire & EMS Department

“The City of Converse firefighters and emergency medical services unit have demonstrated acts of valor during times of extreme danger,” Congressman Cuellar said. “There have been several deaths and serious injuries across the country due to face mask failure. These funds will help further protect their health and wellbeing through the purchase of this personal protective equipment. I would like express my appreciation to the City of Converse along with their city officials for their collaborative efforts in securing this grant.”

The City of Converse’s Fire and EMS Department received $195,000 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"The Department of Homeland Security grant recently awarded to the Converse Fire Department will enhance the safety of all our Firefighters,” said City of Converse Mayor Al Suarez. “The City of Converse, Bexar County Emergency Services District #1, and the entire Northeast Metrocom will greatly benefit through the outstanding services that the Converse Fire Department will provide with these new resources. Our sincere thanks to the US Department of Homeland Security and US Congressman Henry Cuellar for their assistance in obtaining this critical grant for the City of Converse."

The grant will be used to purchase 32 units of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) – 30 minute units with a face piece and an extra bottle for the department’s firefighters who are also certified as emergency medical technicians.

The ability to upgrade all Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment will significantly enhance firefighter safety,” said Converse Fire Chief Richard Wendt.”The new units will have integrated alarms to signal a downed firefighter where our current units utilize an add-on unit that monitors firefighter movement. In addition the new units will have face masks that will withstand higher temperatures before failing. These funds will also impact the safety of our citizens by providing fire and EMS personnel with reliable breathing protection so that they can effectively work in dangerous atmospheres to remove trapped occupants and reduce property damage.”

The Converse Fire Department aids surrounding areas and responds to more than 2,000 calls for fire and EMS services a year.

These funds were made possible through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the Department of Homeland Security.