Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Higgins: $55,000-plus for Williamsville Fire Department

Submitted

Thu, Sep 16th 2021 09:20 am

Congressman Higgins announced the Williamsville Fire Department was awarded a grant totaling $55,238, was funded by the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

The grant funding will be used to purchase a new air compressor to fill self-contained breathing apparatuses used by the firefighters. SCBA sets are vital for firefighters as they respond to emergencies in hostile, hazardous environments. The new air compressor will supply breathable air to the SCBA packs.

“Access to fresh air is life-saving to both firefighters and the people they selflessly serve,” Higgins said. “We are grateful to members our community who dedicate their time and talent as volunteer firefighters, and congratulate Williamsville Fire Department for their success securing this grant contributing to a safe Village of Williamsville.”

As a full-service volunteer department, Williamsville Fire Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue and response during weather-related emergencies. Additionally, the WFD is an active participant in the community, providing fire prevention education as well as emergency medical services at village events.

Chief Richard Maddigan said, “These grants are essential to protecting our firefighters as they work to ease the burdens of the community we proudly serve.”

The AFG program awards grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies (SFTAs). The grants are dedicated to enhancing response capabilities to protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response efforts with respect to fire and other related hazards.

A total of $355 million in funding for the AFG program was approved by Congress in 2020 to help aid first-responder organizations in their emergency relief efforts. Since 2001, the AFG has awarded approximately $7.7 billion in grants to provide critical resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiency, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

To learn more about AFG awards, guidance and tools, visit https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/assistance-grants.

Hometown News

View All News