SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $57K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE LACKAWANNA FIRE DEPARTMENT IN ERIE COUNTY
Funding Will Be Used to Purchase New Equipment
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $57,939 in federal funding for the Lackawanna Fire Department in Erie County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and will be used to purchase new equipment.
Specifically, the Lackawanna Fire Department will use this funding to purchase a new attack and supply hose, which will replace the department’s current hose that is 22 years old and leaks. The funding will also help purchase three attack monitor deluge guns with an automatic shutoff feature, which will increase the safety of firefighters. The department’s current deluge guns require a firefighter to manually shut them off, often times requiring the firefighter to stand in smoke and heat due to the placement of the guns. With this funding, the Department will also be able to purchase a new weighted rescue dummy, which will replace the Department’s current homemade dummy, and a Basic Life Support dummy, which will help train firefighters for emergency medical care calls.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security – it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency. This funding will do just that, by allowing the courageous firefighters of the Lackawanna Fire Department to purchase equipment that will help keep them safe.”
“Firefighters are often our first line of defense in emergencies, and it is critical that they have the equipment they need to help keep them safe as they protect our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With this federal funding, the Lackawanna Fire Department will be able to purchase up-to-date equipment that will better prepare and assist them as they respond to emergencies. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure our local fire departments have the support they need to do their jobs.”
“The Lackawanna Fire Department would like to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their continued support of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program which allows a small department like Lackawanna the funding to purchase much needed equipment and to replace older equipment past its' service life,” said Lackawanna Fire Department Chief Ralf Galanti.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s 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 found here.
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