Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $53,123 in federal funding for the Gates Fire District to improve equipment that is vital to firefighter safety. The funding is allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“This is a great investment for Rochester,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This federal investment will help improve the fire department’s equipment, help local firefighters do their work and keep our families safe. I will continue working to ensure our first responders have the tools and resources they need to keep our communities safe.”
Gates Fire Chief James Harrington said, “This funding will complete our retrofitting of protective clothing for all our firefighters. This brings Gates Fire District into 100% compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards. We are grateful for the support of Senator Gillibrand’s office.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by DHS and FEMA, is a competitive grant program that 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 will also help provide emergency response training to firefighters.