ALBANY – With National Fire Prevention Week 2018 underway, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – 57th District) announced that she has secured $500,000 for volunteer and professional fire departments in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Livingston counties.
The funding will help fire departments acquire or upgrade lifesaving emergency apparatus, firefighter safety gear and other critical equipment. The funding was awarded based on applications the fire departments submitted over the summer. All departments were invited to apply.
“The brave men and women who serve as firefighters set aside their health and safety to help those in need, responding to emergencies any time of the day or night,” Senator Young said. “We depend on them to protect our family, our friends and our property. This funding will help them accomplish their life-saving mission.”
Firefighters and emergency first responders in the 57th District face an array of emergency situations including residential and commercial fires, water rescues, high-angle rope rescues, vehicle accidents and natural disasters.
“The scope of rescue situations facing firefighters is ever increasing. It is essential that they have proper emergency equipment to aid in rescues as well as the necessary protective gear when they are battling fires,” Senator Young said. “This grant funding will help meet that goal without taking operational funds from fire department budgets or imposing an added burden on property taxpayers.”
Fire departments were invited to submit requests for equipment or capital improvements up to $10,000. Items could be funded in whole, or in part, with the grant money.
“Our firefighters and first responders are true everyday heroes,” Senator Young said. “It is impossible to place a value on their life-saving contributions to our communities. They respond to fires and emergencies with professionalism, dedication and the utmost concern for the safety of others. I am incredibly grateful to the firefighters in my district, and across New York State.”
“National Fire Prevention Week is a fitting time to reflect on the outstanding service of our firefighters and to honor them by educating ourselves on fire prevention and safety measures,” Senator Young said. “From making sure our homes have working smoke detectors, to creating an escape plan and staging practice drills, a few basic precautions can help prevent tragedy.”
