Congressman Paul Tonko announced today that the federal government has awarded the Westmere Fire Department a $40,850 grant to purchase new safety equipment and provide necessary training for firefighters. The funds were awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are essential in helping departments provide the equipment and training necessary to protect the public,” said Congressman Tonko. “They have taken on added importance during this economic slowdown, providing much needed dollars for departments which are struggling with budget issues. Congratulations to the Westmere Fire Department for securing this grant which will help meet new state regulations and keep firefighters safe, at very little cost to fire district taxpayers.”

“The Westmere Fire Department is committed to the safety of the residents it serves and to its volunteers as well,” said Westmere Fire District Commissioner Sean Maguire. “This grant will enable us to enhance firefighter safety and training, and improve service to our community.”

The grant money will be used to purchase a life safety rope system, which provides firefighters with rope and other equipment to help them evacuate a building in case they are trapped or conditions warrant a fast exit. The bail out system is now a requirement in New York State, due to a law that passed the state legislature in August of 2007. The law followed a fire in New York City in which six firefighters were forced to jump from a fourth-floor window after becoming trapped. Two of the firefighters were killed.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program was created in 2001, to help firefighters and emergency medical responders purchase critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary to protect the public and first responders. The grant awarded to Westmere is part of the 2009 AFG awards, and requires a 5% match from the department.

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