Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $41,800 in federal funding for the Rhinecliff Fire District to purchase new 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 Rhinecliff Fire District,” said Senator Gillibrand. “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.”
Former Rhinecliff District Fire Chief Bill Cotting said, “The Rhinecliff Fire District is extremely happy to receive this federal grant. We have been trying to upgrade our self-contained breathing apparatus so it will be compatible with neighboring mutual aid fire districts. This grant will enable us to be fully compatible when we respond to mutual aid incidents.”
The Rhinecliff Fire District serves a population of approximately 1,500 people. They will use the federal funding to purchase eight new 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.