Collins helps secure $212,298 grant for City of Lockport Fire Department

Congressman Chris Collins has announced $212,298 in federal funding for the City of Lockport Fire Department. The grant was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, which is intended to support the recruitment, hiring and retention of firefighters.

"Providing the necessary funding for our first responders is an excellent and prudent use of federal money," Collins said. "Our local fire departments need essential funding to recruit and hire individuals fit to protect our communities. Many small fire companies do not have the funds for an efficient hiring process, let alone money to promote available positions in the department. This funding will help put qualified individuals in roles where they can serve the community of Lockport."

"This grant gives us the ability to bring back a previously laid-off firefighter and pay him for two years," Mayor Anne McCaffrey said. "This is the first time the City of Lockport has applied for a SAFER Grant and we are pleased to have been awarded this grant. This grant will ensure our fire department is able to effectively respond to the emergency needs of our community. I want to thank Congressman Collins for his help obtaining this federal funding, and I look forward to the continued success of the City of Lockport Fire Department."