Senators Have Continually Pushed for Funding to Assist Fire Departments & First Responders

Press Release

United States Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department is set to receive $237,060 in federal funding to purchase forty-two new air packs. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

"With this funding, Long Beach's first responders can focus on their important work knowing they have new, reliable and protective breathing equipment," said Senator Schumer. "This investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as effectively and safely as possible."

"This is an important investment for Long Beach," said Gillibrand. "When our first responders go into harm's way, we need to make sure they have the most up-to-date equipment to serve our communities. Federal funding will help our firefighters respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively, and help save more lives."

Long Beach was one of the hardest hit communities on Long Island during Superstorm Sandy, destroying many homes and leaving residents without power for many days. Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department was critical in the recovery process.

On the night of the storm, a fire affecting ten homes ripped through Barnes Street on Long Beach. Because the storm had knocked out power and communications at the Long Beach Fire Department, the firefighters were notified about the fire through social media. Two Long Beach firefighters trudged through chest-high flood waters to help put out the fire. After additional firefighters arrived to the scene, it took approximately six hours to put out.

Schumer was an original sponsor of the legislation that led to the creation of this funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of equipment and fire prevention. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program funds can go towards training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, as well as modifications to fire stations and facilities.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists local fire departments in programs and activities to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.

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

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