U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the Rochester Fire Department is set to receive $96,320 in Round 11 of the FY12 Fire Prevention & Safety program (FP&S), an initiative included in the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. FP&S awards are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and are designed to increase public safety and fire fighter safety. The Rochester Fire Department will use funding to implement the proposed Southwest Fire Safety project, which aims to reduce the prevalence of residential fires in the southwestern quadrant of Rochester. Specifically, this project will link the Rochester Fire Department with community partners serving southwest Rochester such as Lifespan and Visiting Nurse Service, the African American Health Coalition, and local elementary schools to maximize outreach opportunities, share costs, and gain visibility to decrease risk of fire and improve general safety in this residential area. Through existing community groups, firefighters will share expertise about kitchen fire safety, fire detector installation and upkeep with homeowners, the elderly and elementary students.
“This investment will build a bridge between Rochester Fire Department and partners in the local community to encourage fire safety checks, detector installations and teach Rochester residents of all ages about fire safety,” said Senator Schumer. “With this funding, the Southwest Fire Safety Project can become a reality, and Rochester’s heroes can help prevent kitchen fires and provide overall fire safety knowledge to residents in Southwest Rochester.”
“This is an important investment for the Rochester Fire Department and the local community,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This strong community partnership can equip more Rochester families with the tools, resources and techniques to prevent fires, know just what to do in times of emergency, and keep children and families safe.”
Schumer was an original sponsor of the legislation that led to the creation of this funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of equipment and fire prevention. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Program, established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and reduce injury and save lives.
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/ .