U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $461,973 in federal funding for the Henrietta Fire District in Monroe County. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, this funding will be used to replace obsolete self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); these new air packs will be used to keep firefighters safe.
“This much-needed funding will provide our Henrietta firefighters with the funding they need to purchase the critical equipment they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “First responders are our primary line of defense – they put their lives on the line each day for the safety of our residents. That’s why it is crucial we provide them with the resources they need to continue their important and life-saving work.”
“Our first responders are on the frontlines during emergencies and should have the most up-to-date equipment to carry out their lifesaving work,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The equipment purchased with this grant will help ensure the Henrietta Fire District is safe and ready to respond.”
“In today’s tight budget climate, the awarding of this grant will allow the Henrietta Fire District to provide our firefighters with state-of-the-art respirator protection, with minimum impact on our taxpayers. SCBA is one of the most important pieces of equipment to keep our firefighters safe,” said Henrietta Fire District Chief Jim Comstock. “This is a great day for the safety of our firefighters.”
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. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.