Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced that the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. will receive $138,472 in federal grants in Round 21 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 Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company will use funding to replace three dozen self-contained breathing apparatus.
“With this funding, Lake Shore firefighters can focus on their important work knowing that they have reliable new equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “These investments will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work and will enable them to respond as effectively and safely as possible with more efficient gear.”
“This is an important investment for the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Co.,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that our first responders have the most up-to-date and appropriate equipment necessary to serve our communities. These new SCBA packs will tremendously help the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Co. respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively, while helping save more lives.”
“On behalf of the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. I would like to thank Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for their continued support for funding for our first responders,” Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Co. Chief Matthew Giacomini said. “The Lake Shore Fire Company will utilize these funds to replace our aging S.C.B.A.s as we plan to purchase approximately 30 new packs. These funds allow us to give our first responders the best in protective equipment as we serve approximately 60,000 residents throughout the Town of Hamburg.
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/ .