SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $47,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE PILOT KNOB VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER’S ASSOCIATION IN WARREN COUNTY
Federal Funding For Pilot Knob Will Be Used To Purchase New Equipment
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $47,239 in federal funding for the Pilot Knob Volunteer Firefighter's Association Inc. to purchase new equipment. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
The Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Association will use this federal investment to purchase eight Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or air packs. The new SCBA’s will replace the old and outdated protective equipment to be compliant with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations.
“It is critical that we provide our firefighters with the equipment and breathing apparatuses they need to do their jobs effectively,” saidSenator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial provide those at the Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Association with the tools and resources needed so they can continue their important work of saving 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 Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Association will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep them safe as they do their job protecting our community.”
"This grant will enable us to replace eight sets of outdated Self Contained Breathing Apparatus that are an essential part of the personal protective equipment for our Interior Firefighters,” said Bridget Paris, Chief of the Pilot Knob Volunteer Firefighters Association. The modern equipment will greatly improve the protection of our interior firefighters as it has built in alarm systems, is much lighter than our existing equipment, and has status readouts that can readily be monitored by the firefighter.“
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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