Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $60,367 in federal funding for the City of Batavia Fire Department to train new firefighters and upgrade equipment for first responders. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“This is an important investment for the Batavia Fire Department,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our firefighters risk their lives day in and day out to keep us safe, and it’s our job to make sure they have the right tools and resources. This new training and equipment can help Batavia firefighters respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively, and help save more lives.”
“This grant will assist in training new recruit firefighters replacing several retired personnel within the past year and anticipated retirements in 2013,” said Jim Maxwell, City of Batavia Fire Department Fire Chief. “It will also increase our capabilities with extrication and technical rescue incidents and provide for training with this new equipment.”
The City of Batavia Fire Department provides fire and emergency response services to over 16,000 residents of Batavia. The fire department is currently supported by a staff of 37 trained full-time firefighters. The City of Batavia Fire Department will use this federal funding to train new firefighters who will replace retiring staff, and purchase new firefighting tools to help them respond to emergencies.
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.