Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $440,564 in federal funding for the Hartsdale Fire District in Westchester County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Hartsdale Fire District will use the federal funding to purchase 80 new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for three fire departments.
“This much-needed funding will provide our Hartsdale firefighters with the funding they need to purchase the critical equipment they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “First responders are our primary line of defense – they put their lives on the line each day for the safety of our residents. That’s why it is crucial we provide them with the resources they need to continue their important and life-saving work.”
“This federal funding will allow the Hartsdale Fire District to purchase the most up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and safely when responding to emergencies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will continue fighting for resources to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“I am thrilled to hear that the Hartsdale Fire Department has been awarded a regional Assistance to Firefighter Grant, along with the Fairview and Elmsford Fire Departments. This grant will allow us to purchase new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus that meet all of the latest standards, which will help keep our firefighters safe and allow them to do their very dangerous job in a more efficient manner. This grant program is a great example of how the federal government can provide direct assistance at the most basic local level. The fact that it is a regional grant shows how well our agencies can work together to share services and achieve the greatest efficiencies. I would like to thank Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer and Congresswoman Lowey for their invaluable assistance in attaining this grant,” said Hartsdale Fire District Chief, Ed Rush.
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. Funding is allocated to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.
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