U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $100,643 in federal funding for the Fort Montgomery Fire District and $46,326 in federal funding for the Village of Piermont Fire Department to purchase new equipment. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
“It is critical that we provide our local fire companies with the resources they need to keep our citizens safe and do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide those at the Fort Montgomery and Piermont Fire Districts with the equipment and machinery they need so they can continue to do their important work of saving lives.”
“We must ensure that our first responders who put themselves in harm’s way have the most up-to-date equipment they need to help save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Montgomery Fire District and Piermont Fire Department will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep them safe as they do their job protecting our community.”
The Montgomery Fire Department will use this federal investment to improve the ventilation exhaust system at the fire station and install an upgraded cascade breathable air system that allows first responders the ability to fill self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) quickly, efficiently and safely.
“These awarded funds will assure that our Department will be able to quickly and efficiently serve our residents and continue to save tax dollars to its population by installing an adequate vehicle exhaust ventilation system which will extend the life of district issued gear as well as keep members safe from harmful diesel fumes that are abundant in the firehouse,” said Greg Maher, Chairman of the Fort Montgomery Board of Fire Commissioners. “Additionally, this grant will allow the Fort Montgomery Fire District to install an upgraded breathable air system for, not only our fire department but neighboring departments as well who can utilize this cascade system in times of emergencies and trainings.”
The Village of Piermont Fire Department will use this federal investment for fire bailout systems and 30 sets of protective wear. The fire bailout systems includes the ropes and harnesses that are attached to belts and allows firefighters to escape out the window and down the outside of the building from the upper floors.
“The Piermont Fire Department is thrilled to receive this federal grant for such important safety equipment,” said Mark Blomquist, Village of Piermont Deputy Mayor and Second Dive Lieutenant of the Piermont Fire Department. “We appreciate the support of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand in helping us get these federal funds. Their support is especially appreciated since our local budgets are tight and this safety equipment is needed by our local fire department.”
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.firegrantsupport.com/.