Washington, DC – April 9, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-16) announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is awarding $108,175 in grant money to the Village of Pelham Manor. The Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) – administered through DHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – is designed to help municipalities boost preparedness in response to fire and related hazards. The Pelham Manor Fire Department will receive the funds to purchase 18 sets of SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) Units.
According to FEMA, since 2001, the AFG has provided approximately $5.25 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.
Rep. Engel said, “As municipalities around the state and nation deal with tightened budgets, grants such as this one come in very handy. The Village of Pelham Manor will be stronger in responding to emergencies thanks to this grant, as it supplements the fine work already being done by village first responders. Village firefighters risk their lives on a daily basis protecting the residents of Pelham Manor in the hours of their greatest need, and they should have the tools and training needed to keep up this outstanding work.”
Pelham Manor Mayor Randy Sellier said, “We are grateful to our elected officials and to FEMA, that they realize the need to assist local municipalities in supplying the necessary equipment for our firefighters to do their jobs more safely and effectively.”
