U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney announced the Fairview Fire District is set to receive $158,948 in federal funding to replace outdated personal protective equipment, including updated SCBA breathing apparatus units. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
“With this funding, Fairview’s first responders can focus on their important work knowing they have new, reliable breathing apparatus,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as effectively and safely as possible.”
“This is an important investment for the Fairview Fire District,” Senator Gillibrand said. “It’s our responsibility to ensure our first responders have the most up-to-date equipment to serve our communities. The new personal protective equipment will help the Fairview Volunteer Fire District respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively, and help save more lives.”
“The Fairview Fire District does a great job of meeting the fire and rescue needs of our community,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. “This investment will enhance the ability of our local firefighters to protect the community while reducing the number of fire related injuries.”
“We are thrilled to receive these federal funds to help us purchase much needed firefighting equipment for our personnel. The new equipment has much better safety features than our outdated equipment. We thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support. We would not have been able to obtain this safety equipment without this funding from the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program,” said Fairview Fire District Chief Christopher Maeder.
The Fairview Fire District provides fire protection and Emergency Medical Services for the northern section of the Town of Poughkeepsie and the southern portion of the Town of Hyde Park. The district is approximately four and a half square-miles in size and encompasses two colleges, two hospitals, two elementary schools, state and county facilities, industrial facilities, residences, numerous daycare centers, and a three-mile section of the Hudson River.
The Fairview Fire District will use the federal funds to purchase new SCBA breathing apparatus units. The District’s current equipment is outdated, over 14 years old. The new personal protective equipment has much improved safety features that will help to keep the Fairview firefighters safe.
Senator 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 Program funds can go towards training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists local fire departments in programs and activities to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.