The city Fire Department has received a $324,450 federal grant to purchase vital equipment that provides breathable air to firefighters when they are dealing with smoke, dangerous gases, and other airborne contaminants.
The Fire Department has obtained the funding for Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses SCBA. This is the largest grant the Fire Department has ever received through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The funds will cover the purchase of 34 new packs, 68 cylinders, and 34 face masks.
“I want to thank our federal partners, including U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand as well as Congressman Pat Ryan, for their dedication to ensuring federal agencies are in a position to supply these much-needed funds,” said Mayor Marc Nelson.
“This grant will result in a more advanced, effective, and safer Fire Department which will add to the continuing efforts of providing the best service possible to the community and residents of the city,” said Fire Chief Joseph Franco.
Franco thanked Deputy Chief Vincent Parise for working with members of the city administration team to apply for the grant. Through that process, the city also was able to secure an economic hardship waiver and, as a result, does not have to contribute the 10 percent cost- share portion that typically would be required for this grant.
