Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $452,700 for the Yonkers Fire Department and $203,965 in federal funding for Carmel Fire Department. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The federal grant funds will be used by the Yonkers Fire Department to purchase new medical equipment and to conduct paramedic training. The funds will be used by Carmel Fire Department to replace all thirty of their aging breathing apparatuses.
“These much-needed federal funds will provide the assistance that these Hudson Valley Fire Departments need to replace live-saving equipment and provide medical training for their firefighters. First responders are our primary line of defense – they safeguard our residents and protect our property. It’s crucial that we provide our fire departments support to purchase the equipment they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability,” said Senator Schumer.
“These are major investments for the Hudson Valley,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way, we need to make sure they have the right equipment to save lives. The Yonkers and Carmel fire departments will use this funding to purchase critical, life-saving equipment that will help them better serve their communities and save more lives.”
“We are thankful to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and the US Department of Homeland Security for its continued support of our Yonkers Fire Department,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “This grant will enable our fire department to place higher medically skilled personnel on duty who will be trained in technical rescue disciplines, resulting in an increase in firefighter safety and greater public safety for our residents.”
“On behalf of Chairman of the Board, Michael Hengel, Chief Vinnie Ruggiero and myself are very thankful for the grant being awarded to the Carmel Fire Department, Inc for the replacement cost of the breathing apparatus,” said Carmel Fire Department, Inc. President John Mulreany. “This federal investment lessens the burden on our local taxpayers and guarantees our firefighters have the tools necessary to do their jobs as quickly and as safely as possible.”
The Yonkers Fire Department will receive $173,000 to purchase new medical equipment, including 4 defibrillators with monitors, associated airway equipment, and a power lift for a medical stretcher. They will also receive $330,000 for paramedic training for up to ten Yonkers Fire Department members. The Carmel Fire Department will use their grant to replace all thirty of their self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), which can cost between $7,500 and $8,000 apiece. The Carmel Fire Department estimates that the federal grant will relieve an almost $200,000 burden from local taxpayers.
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/.