Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Nita Lowey today announced $102,917 in federal funding for the White Plains Fire Bureau to acquire new Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs). The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).
“If we’re going to keep our communities safe, our first responders need the right resources,” Senator Gillibrand said. “The White Plains Fire Bureau will be able to use these funds to upgrade their technology and communicate more effectively during emergencies so they can save more lives. I will continue to work to equip our first responders with the tools they need.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey said, “First responders must have access to the tools and equipment they need to keep our community safe. This equipment upgrade will help the White Plains Fire Bureau ensure a quick, coordinated, and efficient response when an emergency occurs, potentially helping to save lives and avoid serious damage. I will continue working with Senator Gillibrand to ensure our first responders have the tools they need to keep us safe.”
White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach said, “This funding will allow the White Plains Fire Department to replace its 18 existing MDTs, which have reached the end of their useful life. The upgraded equipment will enhance the Department’s ability to respond to emergencies, communicate and share information by reducing response times due to mapping, providing building and hazard data for responders, as well as GPS and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), among other things. Without a doubt, these vital tools enhance community safety and security and we are grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her continued support for the City of White Plains and particularly, our first responders.”
The White Plains Fire Bureau will use the federal finding to purchase new MDTs. This will allow fire department personnel to communicate more efficiently with the Emergency Communications Center and other fire departments in the county. These terminals permit data exchange via wireless technology to the police, fire and all county departments and are located in firefighting apparatus. The White Plains Fire Bureau employs roughly 170 career firefighters who operate five fire stations that are located throughout the city of White Plains.
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.