U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $12,728 in federal funding for the Jamestown Fire Department in Chautauqua County. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the City of Jamestown in Chautauqua County will use these funds to test their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air packs and respirators to ensure firefighter safety.
“With this funding, the first responders of the Jamestown Fire Department can focus on their important work knowing they have new, reliable and protective equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as effectively and safely as possible.”
“These federal funds will allow the Jamestown Fire Department to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“We’re very happy to have received this funding from the Department of Homeland Security,” said Jamestown Battalion Chief Matt Russo. “This grant program is fantastic and has always helped fire departments across the country keep their firefighters safe. That’s exactly what this funding will do. I want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and we’re all looking forward to the arrival of our new equipment.”
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. Funding is allocated to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.