By Bob Beckstead
Watertown Daily Times
LOUISVILLE, N.Y. — Funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will allow the Louisville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
The $161,904.76 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program funding was announced Tuesday by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand .
Louisville Fire officials said the funding was needed for equipment replacement, The SCBA provides breathable air to firefighters in environments with oxygen deficiency, smoke, dangerous gases, and other airborne contaminants.
“Our present SCBA, purchased in 2003 and 2009, have become obsolete and costly to repair,” they said. “With this grant we will be able to completely replace all our aging and non-compliant SCBA saving taxpayers both the cost of repairs and replacement while improving safety, reliability and interoperability with surrounding departments for our firefighters.”
Assistance to Firefighters Grants are allocated to fire departments nationally to fund and aid the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations.
The competitive grants are awarded to the applicants that most closely meet the program’s requirements and demonstrate a commitment to its priorities.
The funding is used to supplement the operations and safety of fire departments, including professional training, wellness programs, purchasing personal protective equipment, and upgrading facilities and supplies.
Schumer and Gillibrand said the nearly $2.5 million they obtained in federal funding will assist emergency personnel in 34 fire departments across upstate New York by providing for protective gear, training and supplies.
“Every day, brave firefighters risk their lives on the frontlines to protect communities across Upstate NY, from Latham to Lockport,” Schumer said in a statement. “This nearly $2.5 million federal investment means better training, protective gear, and equipment that our firefighters need to keep themselves and New Yorkers safe. I stood with firefighters across Upstate New York to push for the reauthorization of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program and I’m grateful that, as a result, the AFG Program is continuing to deliver results.”
“New York firefighters work tirelessly to protect our communities,” Gillibrand said in a statement. “This federal funding will provide them with the necessary equipment, training, and resources to keep them safe as they respond to emergency situations. I will continue fighting for New York fire departments and working to ensure they are well-equipped for both their safety and that of our communities.”
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