Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2011

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $90,000 IN FEDERAL FIRE GRANT FOR LEROY VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SERVICE INC.; FUNDING FOR TOP OF THE LINE CARDIAC MONITORS

Funding Comes From DHS AFG Program That Promotes Effective Firefighting Operations

Leroy Volunteer Ambulance Service Inc. Will Use Funds to Purchase Cardiac Monitors

Schumer Has Continually Pushed for Funding to Assist Fire Departments and First Responders

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Leroy Volunteer Ambulance Service Inc., will receive a grant totaling $90,961 in Round 1 of the FY11 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG awards are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and are designed to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The Leroy Volunteer Ambulance Service will use this funding to upgrade to a high quality cardiac monitoring device in an effort to improve lifesaving care and assist fire fighters, EMS staff, and other critical support staff.

“This investment will be a big help to the Leroy Volunteer Ambulance Service and all of Genesee County, as first responders will be better equipped to quickly and safely respond to medical emergencies in the area,” said Schumer. “These funds will also guarantee that our local heroes will be able to purchase this equipment and improve their level of service to the community.”

Specifically, the AFG grant that Leroy Ambulance Service received will be used to purchase cardiac monitors. The new cardiac monitors will replace the old, obsolete equipment that is currently in use. In addition to existing capabilities, the upgraded monitors will have the capability to transmit from the field to the hospital and measure carbon monoxide levels in patients.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) provides funding to local fire departments to help them 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 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. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/ .