Tucson Standard

COCHISE COUNTY, AZ - U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) announced that the City of Benson Fire Department (BFD) and neighboring fire agencies in Cochise County were selected to receive $668,571 in federal funding under the Assistance to Firefighters grant program. This funding was awarded on August 16, 2024.

This funding will allow BFD and neighboring rural fire agencies, including Mescal J-6 Fire District, Pomerene Fire District, and Saint David Fire District, to purchase new equipment to improve safety standards for firefighters and emergency response units to better serve rural communities in Cochise County.

In March 2024, Congressman Ciscomani sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell advocating for this grant funding. The money will be used to purchase new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBAs) and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) packs. New SCBAs are lighter and smaller, increasing mobility, reducing fatigue, and providing breathable air in the face of fire. RIT packs will enhance firefighters’ ability to escape dangerous situations.

“From my first day in office, I promised to use my position to prioritize our rural communities, which are too often overlooked by the federal government, and ensure that your tax dollars are used to address the needs of our community,” said Ciscomani. “This funding provides critical resources for rural fire departments to effectively serve our communities in northern Cochise County. These departments are often either fully volunteer, paid per call, or a combination of both. Their commitment to service, sacrifice and dedication is truly commendable, and I was proud to advocate for these funds.”

“I want to thank Congressman Ciscomani for his efforts advocating for grant funding for Benson’s Fire Department and neighboring fire agencies,” said City of Benson Mayor Joe Konrad. “His dedication to our rural communities is deeply appreciated and much-needed. This funding will create a safer environment for our firefighters and first responders and enhance our ability to serve the residents of Benson. I also wish to express my gratitude to Benson Fire Chief Keith Spangler for taking the lead and working with Congressman Ciscomani to bring this grant to Benson and our neighboring fire departments.”

“This grant funding will go a long way to ensure our firefighters have the equipment and resources they need to carry out their critical mission - protecting our residents,” said City of Benson Fire Chief Keith Spangler. “Thank you Congressman Ciscomani for your efforts to secure much-needed funding for our Fire Department and neighboring fire agencies.”

As the only member of Arizona serving on the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Ciscomani preliminarily secured $340,049 in federal funds for the Oracle Fire District. This money will be used to purchase an Air Curtain Burner/Incinerator (ACI) to improve the community’s brush dump and burning operations. In FY 2024, Congressman Ciscomani secured $2 million for the Town of Pima’s Volunteer Fire Department to modernize the town’s only fire station which resides in a dilapidated 50-year-old building that does not accommodate modern fire trucks and equipment.

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