Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $86,459 in federal funding for the Tyrone Volunteer Fire Company to purchase new breathing apparatuses for their first responders. This new equipment will allow them to respond to emergencies safely and more effectively. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“This is an important investment for the Tyrone Volunteer Fire Company,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way to keep our families safe, it is our responsibility to make sure they have the right equipment. This grant will help give them the resources they need so they can operate safely and efficiently, and help save more lives.”
“Without this type of funding, we would not be able to afford to replace our breathing apparatuses,” said William Kennedy, Tyrone Fire Chief. “It is huge for us to be able to update our equipment and comply with the current standards. Funding such as this is absolutely vital to small departments like ours.”
The Tyrone Volunteer Fire Company serves approximately 1,500 residents in the offseason, and up to 3,000 to 5,000 during peak season. The Fire Company will use the federal funding to replace outdated breathing apparatuses for their firefighters.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, is part of an effort to increase the nation’s emergency response preparation. This program provides federal funding to first responder organizations for the acquisition of personal protective equipment, firefighting vehicles, and emergency response equipment. The funds also help provide emergency response trainings.