SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $470,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT AND VALHALLA VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS
Federal Funding For Yonkers And Valhalla Will Be Used to Train First Responders And Purchase New Equipment
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $449,091 in federal funding for the Yonkers Fire Department and $29,080 in federal funding for the Valhalla Volunteer Ambulance Corps to train first responders and purchase new equipment. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) Grant Program.
“These much-needed federal funds will enable two Westchester County Fire and Ambulance Departments to invest in the critical rescue training they need as well as purchase the life-saving equipment that will keep first responders safe and effective during emergency situations,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes—they are our primary line of defense and protect our residents and property. That is why it is crucial that we provide them with the cutting-edge equipment and training that they need to do their jobs and save lives.”
“We must ensure that our first responders who put themselves in harm’s way have the most up-to-date equipment and training they need to help save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Yonkers Fire Department and Valhalla Ambulance Corps will use this funding to invest in critical, life-saving training and equipment that will help them provide needed medical assistance to those in the community.”
“Thank you to Senators Gillibrand and Schumer and our federal representatives for once again fighting for the funding that our Yonkers Fire Department can utilize for increased training which is essential in providing lifesaving services for our residents, especially for our pediatric responses,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.
The Yonkers Fire Department will use this federal investment to train first responders on managing pediatric emergencies. This grant will provide funding for specialized pediatric programs to train personnel and purchase pediatric specific training equipment.
The Valhalla Ambulance Corps will use this federal investment to purchase two cardio compression devices for first responders used to administer CPR.
“The Valhalla Volunteer Ambulance Corps is pleased to be the recipient of a first round Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant,” said Steven Marello, Captain Valhalla Volunteer Ambulance Corps. “This grant will provide Valhalla Volunteer Ambulance Corps with lifesaving mechanical CPR devices for cardiac arrest calls. I would like to thank all that contributed to the grant process along with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Charles Schumer and Congresswoman Nita Lowey.”
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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