Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $30,284 in federal funding for the Laurelton Fire District to purchase a new fire hose. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
“With this funding, Laurelton firefighters can focus on their important work knowing they have a reliable new hose that will help ensure a steady supply of water while fighting fires,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work and will enable them to respond as effectively and safely as possible with equipment that is comparable to other departments in the region.”
“This is an important investment for the Laurelton Fire District,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that our first responders have the most appropriate equipment necessary to serve our communities. The new hose will help improve their ability to combat fires in the community, and help save more lives.”
Laurelton Fire District Administrator, Walt Holahan said “the funding will be used to upgrade our 10 year old fire hose from a 3-inch to a 5-inch hose. Most fire departments around us in Monroe County use a 5-inch hose so this transition will improve the interoperability between us and the other departments.”
The Laurelton Fire District will use the federal funding to upgrade their fire hose from a three inch hose to a five inch hose to help them serve roughly 12,000 residents in the Town of Irondequoit. The Laurelton Fire District is supported by four career firefighters and 45 volunteer firefighters.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant 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.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants 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/ .