Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Representative Peter King announced $54,000 in federal funding for the City of Long Beach Fire Department to purchase new emergency care equipment for their ambulances. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“This investment will be a big help to the Long Beach Fire Department,” said Senator Schumer. “By allowing the department to purchase new, life-saving equipment, these funds will guarantee that our local first responders have the equipment they need to save lives.”
“It is critical that our fire fighters have the proper up-to-date tools as they respond to emergencies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal grant will help the Long Beach Fire Department update their equipment so our first responders can act quickly, effectively and safely to emergencies in our communities.”
“I understand how critical this funding is for our firefighters,” said Representative Peter King, Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “These funds will ensure that the Long Beach Fire Department has the necessary equipment to keep them safe and protect Long Beach.”
“In difficult financial times, this grant is a tremendous help,” said Long Beach City Council President, Fran Adelson. “The grant enables us to obtain new essential life-saving equipment without draining the city’s finances. With these funds, the city will be purchasing three new Lifepak 15s, including heart monitors and defibrillators, for our three advanced life support ambulances which are manned by both our career and volunteer firefighters.”
The Long Beach Fire Department provides service for nearly 43,000 people. Currently, they employ 25 career firefighters and is supported by 165 volunteer firefighters who respond to almost 5,000 calls annually.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, is part of an effort to increase the nation’s emergency response preparation. This program provides federal funding to first responder organizations for the acquisition of personal protective equipment, firefighting vehicles, and emergency response equipment. The funds also help provide emergency response trainings.