U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $329,309 in federal funding for four fire departments in Western New York. The federal funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Farmersville Volunteer Fire Department in Cattaraugus County will receive $86,056 to purchase 12-14 new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), or air packs. The West Seneca Fire District #4 in Erie County will receive $75,814 to purchase 10 new SCBAs. Additionally, the Village of Delevan Fire Department in Cattaraugus County will receive $35,058 and the Angola Fire Department in Erie County will receive $132,381 in federal funding; both of these fire departments will use this funding to improve operations and safety.
“It is critical that we provide our local fire companies with the most up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and keep residents safe,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide them with the resources they need to do their important work of saving lives.”
“These fire departments will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep firefighters safe during emergency situations,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our first responders are on the frontlines during emergencies and should have the most up-to-date equipment to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively.”
“This helps us our immensely. This is going to help keep our guys safe and help us financially,” said Commissioner Raymond Funk, West Seneca Fire District #4. “These grants, you can’t ask for anything better.”
“This is a necessity for safety so that we are able to continue to protect our community. The right equipment helps us save lives and property, there’s no doubt about that,” said Vice President Donald Brennan, Farmersville Volunteer Fire Department.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security and the 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. Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency 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.firegrantsupport.com/.