STAFF REPORTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $128,000 in federal funding for Lake Erie Beach Volunteer Fire Company and $60,564 in federal funding for the East Avon Fire Department. Both grants were allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.
“Our first responders must be able to operate and communicate effectively when responding to an emergency of any type,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “The AFG program is an excellent opportunity for NY-27 fire departments and EMS to utilize federal funding to purchase new equipment, improve their communication systems, and help keep members safe. I was honored to work with the Lake Erie Beach Volunteer Fire Company and the East Avon Fire Department to secure this $188,564 in federal funding so they can continue protecting New York’s 27th Congressional District.”
“We appreciate the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and Congressman Collins’ efforts,” said Michael Rosem President of the Lake Erie Beach Volunteer Fire Company. “The AFG program provides much needed safety equipment. This grant will allow our Department to purchase twenty SCBA’s and twenty-six face-pieces, both of which are critical to protecting the health and safety of our volunteer firefighters.”
“This important funding will allow the department to purchase nineteen additional radios,” said Chris Batzel, Chief of the East Avon Fire Department. “These radios are specific to fire departments and are rated at a higher level. This will allow our firefighters to communicate better at emergency scenes and keep them and the public safe. We look forward to working with Congressman Collins to support the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.”
The Lake Erie Beach Volunteer Fire Company will use this $128,000 federal grant to purchase twenty Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Air Packs and twenty-six face-pieces. Both will provide their firefighters with breathable air when they are battling fires. The East Avon Fire Department will utilize the $60,564 federal grant to purchase of nineteen additional emergency radios. These newly purchased emergency radios will significantly improve the Department’s operational efficiency during emergencies of all types.
The AFG Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of both the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.
