Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the East Seneca Volunteer Fire Company has been awarded a grant through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The Department, located in West Seneca, NY, will receive $75,814 in federal funding through this FY2015 award.
"These resources will help to keep our firefighters protected as they selflessly serve our community," said Congressman Higgins. "We commend East Seneca Volunteer Fire Company for their success in pursuing these funds and thank the volunteers for their work each and every day throughout West Seneca and the region."
According to East Seneca Volunteer Fire Co. Commissioner Rusty Funk, the department plans to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SBCA) with the grant. The device provides breathable air to firefighters entering smoke filled structures.
Commissioner Funk added, "Obtaining this grant means that we have funding available to purchase equipment that we cannot currently afford. The safety and protection of our firefighters is very important and this grant helps us maintain that. We could not be happier to be receiving this grant and continuing to offer the best service possible to the residents of West Seneca."
The East Seneca Fire Department was awarded this grant under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which makes funds available for Operations and Safety improvements including: training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness, and safety modification to the station and facilities.
These awards are administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. All applications are then submitted to DHS and go through a non-partisan, merit based review ranked by factors established by a panel of service professionals.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program was established in 2001 and renewed under the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2012. The program is now in its 15th year. The AFGP will award up to $340 million in grants to fire departments nationwide this year to improve the health and safety of the public and our first responders.