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Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $385,000 in Federal Funds for Suffolk County Fire Departments

Written by Long Island News & PR  |  14. July 2014

Amityville, NY - July 11, 2014 - United States Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Amityville Fire Department is set to receive $215,080 in federal funding to purchase thirty-five new self-contained breathing apparatus and the Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department is set to receive $171,190 in federal funding to purchase twenty-eight self-contained breathing apparatus, with bottles and face pieces. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
 
“This much-needed federal funding will provide the Amityville Fire Department and the Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department with the resources it needs to purchase critical firefighting equipment like self-contained breathing apparatus,” said Schumer. “First responders are our primary line of defense and this investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as efficiently and safely as possible.”  
 
“This is an important investment for Amityville and Cold Spring Harbor Fire Departments,” said Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way, we need to make sure they have vital breathing equipment to save lives. Federal funding will help our firefighters better serve their communities and save more lives.”
 
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, as well as 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.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program

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