West Webster Fire District receives nearly $280,000 federal grant for equipment | News

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $279,675 in federal funding for the West Webster Fire District to purchase new air packs that firefighters can use in emergencies.

The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

“First and foremost, this grant will continue to protect the 120 volunteer firefighters serving this community and responding to over 2,400 alarms a year," said Webster Fire District Chief Jim Deiesenroth. "Secondly, it will ensure fiscal stability and responsibility for the district and its taxpayers."

“This is an important investment for Webster Fire District,” Senator Gillibrand said. “It is critical that our firefighters have the proper up-to-date tools and safety precautions as they respond to emergencies."

The West Webster Fire District will use the federal funding to purchase new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs that will replace the current air packs that are more than 10 years old.

"The fire chief, district commissioners, and men and women of this organization are very thankful and humbled by this assistance in protecting the community," Deiesnroth added,

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, is part of an effort to increase the nation’s emergency response preparation. The program provides federal funding to first responder organizations for the acquisition of personal protective equipment, firefighting vehicles, and emergency response equipment. The funds also help provide emergency response training.

Courtesy www.WebsterPost.com