Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $144,282 in federal funding for the Newark Volunteer Fire Department to purchase new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Packs. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
“With this funding, Newark volunteer firefighters can focus on their important work protecting life and property,” said Senator Schumer. “These investments for new SCBAs 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 to the emergencies in the community.”
“This is an important investment for the Newark Volunteer Fire Department,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that our first responders have the right equipment to serve our communities. The new SCBA Packs will help improve their ability to combat fires in the community, and help save more lives.”
“The funding will be used to upgrade our current air packs that are from 1997 up to the latest standard,” Newark Volunteer Firefighter David Smith said. “We will be purchasing approximately 30 SCBA packs that will greatly improve the safety and comfort for our firefighters.”
The Newark Volunteer Fire Department will use the federal funding to purchase approximately 30 new SCBA air packs to help them serve the roughly 15,000 residents in the Village of Newark and Town of Arcadia. The Newark Volunteer Fire Department is supported by 150 volunteer firefighters.
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/ .