Essex, NY – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $72,482 in federal funding for the Elizabethtown-Lewis Emergency Squad Inc. in Essex County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Elizabethtown-Lewis Emergency Squad Inc. will use the funding to purchase two power ambulance cots and two patient surface extenders for advanced life support ambulance services.
“It is essential that we provide our first responders with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense for safety and security—it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”
“These federal funds will allow our first responders to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect our first responders when they risk their lives, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure they are given the support they deserve.”
“We’re extremely excited to have received the grant. The power cots will provide safety for both the patients and providers. We will replace two older manual stretchers with the new power cots,” said Larry Bashaw, Training Officer, Advanced EMT-Critical Care, Elizabethtown-Lewis Emergency Squad, Inc. “The Elizabethtown-Lewis Emergency Squad would like to thank Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Senator Little, Assemblymen Stec, and the Town of Elizabethtown Supervisor – Mr. Merrihew and Town of Lewis Supervisor – Mr. Monty for all their support.”
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 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.fema.gov/firegrants .
Senator Gillibrand’s letter to FEMA included here.