SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $260K IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR TWO WESTERN NY FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Funding Will Be Used To Purchase Critical New Equipment

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $266,305 in federal funding for two fire departments in Western New York. The funding was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Mayville Fire Department in Chautauqua County will receive $30,000 to purchase a new defibrillation unit. The East Aurora Fire Department in Erie County will receive $236,305 to purchase as many as 20 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air packs to replace its outdated, 20-year-old units.

“These firefighters selflessly serve the people of Western New York every single day,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding will provide them with the top-notch, life-saving equipment they need to do their jobs. These men and women are local heroes, and they deserve to know that we have their backs.”

“These federal funds will allow our fire departments to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting our communities,” 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.”

“This grant program will ensure that vitally needed self-contained breathing apparatuses are put into service to better enable our firefighters to keep themselves and the community safe from harm,” said East Aurora Fire Captain Donald Janish.

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. Funding is allocated to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.     

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