SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $14K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR JOHNSON CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT IN BROOME COUNTY
Federal Funding For Johnson City Fire Department Will Be Used To Purchase A Life-Saving High Performance Firefighting Turnout Gear Washing Machine
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced a total of $14,834 in federal funding for the Johnson City Fire Department in Broome County. This grant will be used to purchase a high performance firefighting turnout gear washing machine, which decontaminates firefighters’ gear.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “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.”
“These federal funds will allow our first responders to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect our first responders when they risk their lives, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure they are given the support they deserve.”
“The funds provided by this grant will be used to purchase a high performance firefighting turnout gear washing machine. In an industry where nearly 70% of all members will be diagnosed with one form of cancer or another, this potentially life-saving equipment will allow us to not only decontaminate our gear of documented carcinogens as a result of firefighting, but bodily fluids from medical emergencies as well. Because of this added preventative measure, the cost savings to the taxpayers of Johnson City is immeasurable, even if it prevents only one member from contracting cancer,” said Lieutenant Bob Blakeslee, the Johnson City Fire Department Fire Prevention Officer.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are 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. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.
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