U.S. senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced $271,143 in federal funding for the Mineola Fire Department. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).
According to the Mineola Fire Department, funding will be used to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus, including a facepiece, two air bottles and one unit. The new equipment will help protect firefighters from heat, smoke, fire and hazardous materials and is used during house and building fires and car fires, hazardous material responses and brush fires.
“This much-needed federal funding will provide the assistance the Mineola Fire Department needs to purchase critical firefighting equipment like self-contained breathing apparatus,” Schumer said. “First responders are our primary line of defense—they safeguard our residents and protect our property. It’s crucial that we provide our fire departments support to purchase the equipment they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability.”
The AFGs are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need.
Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at www.fema.gov/firegrants.
“The Mineola Fire Department will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep firefighters safe during emergency situations,” said Gillibrand. “Our first responders are on the frontlines during emergencies and should have the most up-to-date equipment to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively.”
