Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $45,000 in federal funding for the Elmira Fire Department to purchase a new breathing air compressor for their first responders to help improve safety as they respond to emergencies. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“This is an important investment for the Elmira Fire Department,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that our first responders have the most up-to-date equipment. This new breathing air compressor will help the Elmira Fire Department respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively, and help save more lives.”
“We are extremely pleased with the 2012 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant awarded to the City of Elmira Fire Department,” Elmira Fire Department Chief Patrick P. Bermingham said. “This grant will allow us to purchase a new breathing air compressor which will replace our 25 year old inoperative unit.”
The Elmira Fire Department provides fire and emergency response services to nearly 30,000 residents in the City of Elmira. Presently, the fire department is supported by a staff of 60 trained firefighters and four civilian personnel. The Elmira Fire Department will use this federal funding to purchase a new breathing air compressor that will replace an obsolete unit.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, is part of an effort to increase the nation’s emergency response preparation. This program provides federal funding to first responder organizations for the acquisition of personal protective equipment, firefighting vehicles, and emergency response equipment. The funds also help provide emergency response trainings.