Searcy gets $140 thousand-plus federal grant for firehouse safety

SEARCY, Ark. – Searcy firefighters will soon enjoy a safer environment thanks to a federal grant improving the environment in fire stations.

Officials with the city of Searcy said on Monday that it had received a $141,818.18 grant from the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration to enhance its three fire stations.

City officials said the grant will be used to install a Source Captures Exhaust System (SCES) at each fire station. SCESs prevent diesel fumes from permeating the parking bay area where they can enter each station's living and sleeping quarters.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, diesel exhaust is a known carcinogen.

Searcy Fire Chief Brian Dunavan said adding a SCES was an essential step for the department.

"This grant is a crucial step forward in our ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of our firefighters,” Dunavan said. “By reducing their exposure to diesel exhaust, we can help minimize the risk of cancer and other health issues that are unfortunately prevalent in our profession.”

The chief continued to thank the agencies that provided the grant.

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