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Collins announces $362,505 in grants for six local fire companies

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Wed, Aug 19th 2015 05:00 pm

Congressman Chris Collins has announced $362,505 in federal funding for six local fire companies: Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1 received $41,012, South Wales Fire District No. 1 received $105,444, Abbott Fire Co. received $39,524, the Wyoming Hook and Ladder Co. received $109,048 and the Cowlesville Fire Co. received $30,777. Funding came through the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

The Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District received $36,700 through the DHS 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 heroes need the proper resources to do their jobs and protect our communities. Many small fire companies and emergency medical service providers are unable to purchase necessary equipment upgrades and do not have the funds for an efficient hiring process. This funding will help create more efficient and effective first responders and help put qualified individuals in roles where they can serve their community. I am proud I was able to help these local fire companies secure these federal grants."

"The Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1 would like to thank Congressman Collins for his efforts to secure this funding," Chief John Penzotti said. "These funds will be used to purchase new fire hoses and other firefighting equipment. We look forward to working with Congressman Collins in the future as he works to support our local first responders."

"This important funding will allow our department to purchase new air packs and ensure the safety of our firefighters. We appreciate Congressman Collins' efforts on behalf of South Wales and all of our first responders," Chief Mike McClure said.

"This grant will be used to fund the purchase of a new SCADA system, which will enhance safety for our firefighters," Newton Abbott Fire Co. Chief Brian Evaldi said. "We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Collins in the future."

"This funding will be used to purchase new personal protection equipment, which will help keep our firefighters safe," Wyoming Hook and Ladder Co. Chief Rick Niziol said. "This grant will help us provide an even greater level of service to protect the local community. We are certainly grateful for Congressman Collins efforts."

"This money will go a long way to help us equip our company and our volunteer members so that they can continue to deliver the high quality of services that the residents of Cowlesville deserve," said Otis Dimick, president of the Cowlesville Fire Co. "The members of the Cowlesville Fire Co. want to thank Rep. Collins for his help in securing this grant funding."

"This funding will help us recruit new firefighters to better serve our community," Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District Chief Ken Keirn said. "We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Collins in the future and are appreciative of his efforts."

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