Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $40,945 in federal funding for the Middlesex Valley Volunteer Ambulance in Yates County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The Middlesex Valley Volunteer Ambulance will use these federal funds to purchase new life-saving medical equipment.
“Our firefighters are our local heroes—they protect our residents and our property, which is why we must ensure they have the most up-to-date equipment to effectively do their jobs,” said Senator Schumer. “Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our fire departments have the resources they need has always been a top priority of mine. These funds will allow our local heroes to continue their important, life-saving work and keep the community safe.”
“This is such an important investment for the community,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Updating crucial and much-needed medical equipment helps ensure the safety of countless residents in the community. The Middlesex Valley Volunteer Ambulance will get up-to-date defibrillators to help those who have suffered a heart attack and save more lives.”
“Middlesex Ambulance currently utilizes two Phillips HeartStart monitors that are nearing 10 years old and are close to the replacement age,” said Eric Williams, Director of Operations for Middlesex Valley Volunteer Ambulance. “The community will greatly benefit with the most up to date technology being used by a highly skilled provider. With the Assistance to Fire Fighter Grant funding, our organization has saved the Ambulance District tax payers thousands of dollars.”
Middlesex Valley Volunteer Ambulance provides levels of care which range from emergency medical services to providing critical emergency care services. Middlesex Valley Volunteer Ambulance also loans medical equipment including crutches, walkers and wheelchairs free-of-charge to residents. They will use this federal funding to purchase a LIFEPAK 15 heart monitor and defibrillator as well as two automated external defibrillators. These critical tools help individuals who have suffered a heart attack and other heart related malfunctions.
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.fema.gov/firegrants.