U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $59,524 in federal funding for the Greenfield Fire District. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The Greenfield Fire District will use the funding to purchase a new air compressor storage station with filling cascade system, which is used to fill the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) devices that are worn by firefighters to help them breathe clean air. The District’s current equipment is 30 years old and outdated.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense for safety and security—it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”
“Every day, our first responders are exposed to dangerous conditions as they risk their lives to protect their communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will allow the Greenfield Fire District to purchase equipment that will help keep our firefighters safe, and I will always fight to make sure that our local fire departments have the resources they need to safely and efficiently respond to emergencies in their community.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is 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 found here.