U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the Livingston Fire District will receive $59,531 in federal funds to upgrade their air compressor system. The funding comes from the FY12 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG awards are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are designed to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
“With this funding, Livingston firefighters can focus on their important work knowing that they have a reliable air compressor system,” said Senator Schumer. “These investments 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.”
“This is an important investment for the Livingston Fire District,” Senator Gillibrand said. “It’s our responsibility to ensure our first responders have the most up-to-date equipment to serve our communities. The updated air compressor system will help the Livingston Fire District upgrade their emergency response equipment so that their firefighters can respond to emergencies in the community more efficiently and effectively, and help save more lives.”
Livingston Fire District Chief Paul Jahns said, “The Livingston Fire District is very grateful for receiving a grant to update our air compressor system which will also be useful for our fire district as well as surrounding first responders.”
The Livingston Fire District will use the federal funds to upgrade the air compressor system for its staff of 40 firefighters who serve the Town of Livingston.
The AFG 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.
AFG funds 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/ .