Levittown, NY - May 7, 2015 - United States Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Wantagh-Levittown Ambulance Corp is set to receive $21,756 in federal funding to purchase new personal protective equipment. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

“With this funding, Wantagh and Levittown’s first responders can focus on their important work knowing they have new, reliable and protective equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as safely as possible.”

“We must ensure that our first responders who put themselves in harm’s way have the most up-to-date equipment they need to protect themselves as they help save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Wantagh-Levittown Ambulance Corps will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep them safe as they do their job protecting our community.”

The Wantagh-Levittown Ambulance Corps will use the funding to purchase EMS PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), which protects responders at car accidents or from blood borne pathogens, like Hepatitis B. It also offers protection from sharp metal edges, falling objects and harmful fluids. PPE typically includes boots, helmets, gloves, coats and bunker pants.

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.  For more information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program click here.