In 2005, the City of Everett Fire Department purchased 112 modern self contained breathing apparatus for its fire fighters thanks in part to a $280,000 federal Fire Act Grant.

"I'm extremely proud and very appreciative of this award," Fire Chief Murray Gordon said. "The Fire Act Grant is a very competitive process. To be recognized is a tribute to those who worked so hard on our application."

The grant paid for the equipment to replace aging self-contained breathing apparatus with modern National Fire Protection Agency compliant equipment.  None of the City’s former 112 units were NFPA 1981 compliant.

“Our firefighters are some of the best in the country,” Mayor Ray Stephanson said. “By replacing our aging equipment, we directly improve firefighter safety in Everett.”

The project to replace the equipment has been in cooperation with two adjacent fire jurisdictions, Arlington and Marysville.

“This new equipment will also improve our mutual aid capabilities with neighboring jurisdictions such as Marysville and Arlington,” Mayor Stephanson said.  “The good news is that firefighters from each of the three jurisdictions will be using compatible breathing apparatus.  That means our efforts become seamless when working together with these agencies.”