SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $290,000 FOR BINGHAMTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Federal Funding For Binghamton Fire Department Will Be Used to Replace Outdated Equipment
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $292,671 in federal funding for the City of Binghamton Fire Department to purchase new protective equipment to respond to emergencies more effectively. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) Grant Program.
The Binghamton Fire Department will use this federal investment to purchase 122 firefighter masks and 42 of the latest SCBAs or air-packs. Before the funding, firefighters were using equipment over ten years old and sharing breathable masks.
“With this funding, the Binghamton Fire Department will be able to purchase the much-needed breathing masks they require to effectively do their jobs,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense. It is crucial that we provide them with the cutting-edge equipment they need to do their important work and save lives.”
“We must ensure that our first responders who put themselves in harm’s way have the most up-to-date equipment they need to help save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Binghamton Fire Department will use this funding to purchase critical, life-saving equipment that will help keep them safe as they do their job protecting our community.”
“This funding will be used to replace our current SCBAs or airpacks,” said Chief Richard Allen of the Binghamton Fire Department. “Our current equipment is over 10 years old. We will be able to replace all of our airpacks and cylinders with new equipment that has the latest technology to protect all of our firefighters. With this funding we also be able to purchase masks for each for each firefighter which will eliminate sharing and is more sanitary. In total, we will purchase 122 masks and 42 air packs.”
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.
###
