U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the Delhi Fire Department will receive $97,537 in federal grants to purchase new hoses, nozzles, and thermal imaging cameras. The funding comes from the FY12 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG awards are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are designed to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
“With this funding, Delhi’s first responders can focus on their important work knowing they have reliable, new equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as effectively and safely as possible with new gear like hoses, nozzles and thermal imaging cameras.”
“This is an important investment for the Delhi Fire Department,” Senator Gillibrand said. “It’s our responsibility to ensure our first responders have the most up-to-date equipment to serve our communities. This funding will help the Delhi Fire Department upgrade their emergency response equipment so that their firefighters can respond to emergencies in the community more efficiently and effectively, and help save more lives.”
Delhi Fire Department Chief Daren Evans said, “We are very pleased to receive this federal grant. Without these federal funds, our local taxpayers would not be able to cover the cost of this much needed equipment. The new equipment will make our department more readily prepared, and will also lower our fire department’s maintenance and repair costs.”
The Delhi Fire Department will use the federal funds to purchase new hoses and nozzles, as well as thermal imaging cameras. The new hoses and nozzles will help the department meet safety standards. They will also lower the department’s ongoing maintenance and repair costs.
The AFG Program assists local fire departments in programs and activities to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.
AFG funds are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.