New York – May 28, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $57,943 in federal funding for the Plattsburgh Fire Department to purchase new equipment. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
The Plattsburgh Fire Department will use this federal investment to purchase a complete Air Compressor / Cascade breathing air system that allows first responders the ability to fill self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) quickly, efficiently and safely. The new automatic air system eliminates the need to open and close valves manually when refilling SCBA bottles. It reduces errors made from opening the wrong valves, lessens the time needed to fill the SCBA tanks and increases the overall efficiency of the system.
“It is critical that we provide our firefighters with the equipment and breathing apparatuses they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial provide them with the tools and resources needed so they can continue their important work of saving lives.”
“We must ensure that our first responders who put themselves in harm’s way have the most up-to-date equipment they need to help save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Plattsburgh Fire Department will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help first responders as they do their job protecting our community.”
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/.
