Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $159,828 in federal funding for Lewiston Fire Department in Niagara County. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and will be used to purchase 30 new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA). These air-packs help firefighters breathe when in burning buildings and hazardous environments. The Lewiston Fire Department serves an area consisting of 13,000 people.
“These much-needed federal funds will help the Lewiston Fire Department purchase new breathing apparatuses that will keep firefighters safe and make them more effective,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our primary line of defense – they safeguard our residents and protect our property. It’s crucial that we provide them with the cutting-edge equipment they need to do their jobs and save lives.”
“This investment will help the Lewiston Fire Department continue to save lives while protecting themselves,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way, it’s our job to ensure they have the right equipment and I am pleased the Lewiston Fire Department will get funding for critical equipment that will help them continue to serve their community safely.”
“This equipment will replace our outdated, noncompliant breathing apparatuses, and will be used to keep our firefighters safe on a daily basis,” said John Penzotti, Lewiston Fire Chief.
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.fema.gov/firegrants.
Full text of Senator Schumer’s letter of support is available upon request.