Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $74,195 in federal funding for the Johnson City Fire Department to install equipment to remove hazardous fumes from their firehouses and purchase new personal protective equipment for employees. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“This is an important investment for the Johnson City 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 firehouses and upgrade their equipment so they can respond to emergencies, and save more lives.”
“Johnson City Fire Department is excited to receive an award for this year’s Assistance to Firefighter grant from FEMA to protect the health and safety of our Firefighters,” said Johnson City Fire Chief Stephen F. Hrustich. “We would like to personally thank Senator Gillibrand for her dedicated effort and helping secure this important funding.”
The Johnson City Fire Department carries out fire suppression operations from two stations in the Village of Johnson City. They will use the federal funding to install vehicle exhaust systems that remove harmful carcinogenic fumes from both of their firehouses as well to purchase new personal protective equipment for employees.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, 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 also help provide emergency response trainings.