Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced that the New Haven Volunteer Fire Corporation was awarded a $101,757 federal grant in Round 28 of the FY12 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG awards are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are designed to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The New Haven Volunteer Fire Corporation will use this funding to replace outdated Self Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBAs).
“With this funding, New Haven’s first responders can focus on their important work knowing they have new, reliable SCBAs,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as effectively and safely as possible.”
“This is an important investment for the New Haven Volunteer Fire Corp,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s our responsibility to ensure our first responders have the most up-to-date equipment to serve our communities. The SCBA Air Packs will help the New Haven volunteer first responders upgrade their emergency response equipment so that they can respond to emergencies in the community more efficiently and effectively, and help save more lives.”
“The New Haven Volunteer Fire Corporation provides fire protection to the town of New Haven. The Fire Grant of $101,757.00 received will be used to upgrade our out of date Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. Receipt of this grant will allow us to better protect the health and safety our firefighters by providing them with the most current technology for respiratory protection. By having the latest technology, we will be able to better serve our customers. Had we not received the grant, we would have had to replace the SCBA with local funds due to their age,” said New Haven Volunteer Fire Chief, Curt Fischer.
Schumer was an original sponsor of the legislation that led to the creation of this funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of equipment and fire prevention. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program funds can go towards training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists local fire departments in programs and activities to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.
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.firegrantsupport.com/ .