Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced today $68,305 in federal funding for the Kenmore Fire Department to install a new ventilation system to filter harmful emissions out of the fire station. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
In October, Senator Gillibrand wrote to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate urging his support for these resources for Kenmore Fire Department.
“This is an important investment for the Kenmore Fire Department,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Our first responders need the right resources to protect themselves so they can protect our communities. This federal grant will help keep toxic fumes out of their firehouse so they can perform their duties, and save more lives.”
“I would like to thank Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer,” said Kenmore Fire Chief, Brendan Kiefer. “We are very happy to get the grant. It is going to help keep the fire fighters healthy by keeping the air in the building clear. They have a dangerous job as it is once they leave the building.”
The Kenmore Fire Department comprises 60 volunteers and serves over 16,500 residents in the Village of Kenmore. The department provides both fire and EMS services. The funding will allow the department to purchase a station-based 100 percent direct source capture exhaust ventilation system for their fire trucks, which would filter harmful emissions out of the station.