U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $48,027 for the St. Johnsburg Fire Co. in Niagara County. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. This funding will be used to purchase a new refilling station for firefighter air tanks, the first system of its kind the fire department has ever been able to purchase.
“This much-needed funding will provide our St. Johnsburg 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.”
“The St. Johnsburg Fire Company 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 and should have the most up-to-date equipment to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively. I will continue working to ensure our first responders have all the resources and tools they need.”
“This new filling station is not only going to help bring us up to compliance, but also ensure that we can better keep our firefighters safe in hazardous situations,” said Fire Chief Gary Ziomek.
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/.