Several local fire companies have received a share of $13 million in federal funding.
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, in a joint statement, said the funding will be used to provide protective gear, training, and supplies to emergency personnel.
Those receiving a share of the funding in Niagara County:
• North Tonawanda Fire Department – $443,655
• Niagara Falls Fire Department – $239,923
• Barker Fire Department – $131,429
• St. Johnsburg Volunteer Fire Co. – $93,243
In addition, Brighton Fire District 5 in Tonawanda received $548,591.
“The North Tonawanda Fire Department is extremely grateful to Senator Schumer for his continued support of our department and assistance throughout the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant process. The $488,020.48 award will allow us to send eight of our firefighters, approximately 21% of our career staff, to an accredited Paramedic Certification Program and become New York State-certified paramedics. With EMS incidents accounting for approximately 82% of our nearly 4,000 annual calls for service, increasing the number of paramedics within our department will expand Advanced Life Support and enhance patient safety. Senator Schumer’s continued commitment to the North Tonawanda Fire Department and to firefighters and first responders across New York State is deeply appreciated,” said City of North Tonawanda Fire Chief Doug Orlowski.
The federal funding is being administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs.
“Every day, our first responders risk everything to keep families safe and protect communities across upstate New York. This more than $13.2 million in federal investments will put critical resources directly into the hands of firefighters — from New Rochelle to Syracuse to Buffalo — helping them stay safe and giving them what they need to do their jobs when it matters most,” Schumer said. “For decades, I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with firefighters from across Upstate New York to fight for this critical program, and I’m proud to see that work continue to deliver real resources for the brave first responders who always answer the call for help.”