Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $139,422 in federal funding for the Point Pleasant Fire District to upgrade their air packs. This will allow them to respond to emergencies safely and more effectively. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“This federal funding is so important for the Point Pleasant Fire District,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line on behalf of our safety, and we need to make sure they have the right tools for the job. This grant will help give them the resources they need so they can operate safely and efficiently, and save more lives.”
“This grant of $140,000 will enable the Point Pleasant Fire District to upgrade their Scott Air Packs and increase the safety of our firefighters,” Point Pleasant Fire District Commissioner Mark Thomas said. “It will also prevent us from having to cut back on other important operational needs by not taking that money out of our limited yearly budget. The hard working members of the Point Pleasant Fire District strive to provide the best service they can to their residents and this announcement will allow us to continue that mission. Our entire department wishes to thank the senator for her support on this issue.”
The Point Pleasant Fire District serves a population of approximately 2,600 people and responded to over 760 call last year. They will use the federal funding to purchase upgraded air packs.
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.