Congressman Paul Tonko announced today that the Central Bridge Fire Department has received a $17,742 grant to purchase new equipment that will enhance service to residents of the fire district. The funds were awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program is an important tool for departments which need to upgrade equipment and training to protect the public and first responders,” said Congressman Tonko. “These grants are especially critical for rural departments which may not have the resources to replace and upgrade equipment.”

“Without the help of these grants, we would not be able to buy what we need to serve our residents – we simply don’t have the budget for it,” said Daniel Rosecrans, Chairman of the Central Bridge Fire District Board of Commissioners. “These grants have helped us protect the district and our firefighters at very little cost to our taxpayers.”

The grant money will be used to purchase several new pieces of equipment for the department, including a power lift ambulance stretcher and a rescue stair chair, which will enhance patient care and safety and make it easier for first responders to transport patients. The department will also purchase a new Automatic External Defibrillator, and a Masimo RAD-57 carbon monoxide meter that will allow first responders to quickly examine blood gas levels of patients and firefighters who have been exposed to CO.

Central Bridge won two other AFG awards for FY2008 totaling $204,236. The first grant, for $37,986, was used to purchase a hydraulic rescue tool (‘jaws of life”) and several accessories. The second grant, for $166,250, was used to purchase a new mini-pumper/brush truck.

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.

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