Fire district receives $60k
Money will be used to update old equipment
Greenfield Fire District received nearly $60,000 in federal funding to modernize equipment.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $59,525 of funding allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
The Greenfield Fire District will use the funding to purchase a new air compressor storage station with filling cascade system, which is used to fill the selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) devices that are worn by firefighters to help them breathe clean air.
“It’s going to give us a chance to do a better response and also keep in mind the safety of the firefighters and the community,” said Commissioner John “Jack” King, who led the grant application process.
The District’s current equipment is over 20 years old and outdated.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Schumer in a release. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense for safety and security—it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is 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.
Greenfield Fire District has 120 firefighters. All four stations will benefit from the federal funding.
“Every day, our first responders are exposed to dangerous conditions as they risk their lives to protect their communities,” said Senator Gillibrand in a statement. “This federal funding will allow the Greenfield Fire District to purchase equipment that will help keep our firefighters safe, and I will always fight to make sure that our local fire departments have the resources they need to safely and efficiently respond to emergencies in their community.”