SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $230K IN FED FUNDS FOR THE BLASDELL FIRE DEPARTMENT IN ERIE COUNTY
Funding Will Be Used to Purchase New Equipment to Keep Firefighters Safe
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $231,858 in federal funding for the Blasdell Volunteer Fire Department in Erie 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 purchase 25 new sets of personal protective turnout gear, and allow the department to replace self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) packs that are more than a decade old. The Blasdell Volunteer Fire Department has approximately 40 active firefighters.
“This much-needed funding will provide our Blasdell 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.”
“These federal funds will allow the Blasdell Volunteer Fire Department to purchase the most up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and safely when responding to emergencies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“The Village of Blasdell Fire Department is grateful to have been selected for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant award from FEMA Department of Homeland Security. On behalf of our brave and exceptional volunteer firefighters, today I want Blasdell residents to know that, with the help of FEMA and the persistent support of Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Chris Collins, when the alarm rings, we will be ready and fully equipped to answer the call and fulfill our duty to protect the lives of our citizens and minimize property damage. Blasdell firefighters go into harm’s way to keep all of us safe. They should have the equipment they need to do their job and protect themselves. Our firefighters put themselves on the front the lines to protect us, but they can’t do their job without adequate resources,” said Blasdell Mayor Michael Petrie.
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.
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