U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $31,866 in federal funds for the Point Pleasant Fire District in Monroe County. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The Point Pleasant Fire District will use this funding to purchase mandated personal escape systems. These bailout systems provide the firefighters with the gear needed to safely escape from upper floors of a burning structure if traditional exits are blocked. Typical bailout systems contain a harness, a descent-control device, carabineers, ropes, and snap links.
“It is critical that we provide local fire departments, like Point Pleasant, with the funding they need to keep our citizens safe,” said Senator Schumer. “Every day these firefighters put their lives on the line to save lives and protect our communities, and these heroes deserve to have the latest safety gear so they can do their jobs effectively and safely.”
“This federal grant awarded to the Point Pleasant Fire District will go a long way to help keep firefighters and the community safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way, we need to make sure they have the most up-to-date equipment. This critical, life-saving escape gear will protect more firefighters and residents by providing them with additional resources to make a safe exit from burning buildings.”
“The members of the Point Pleasant Fire District would like to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their assistance in securing this grant,” said Ronald Hoag, Point Pleasant Fire District Chairman.
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.