Rep. Delgado Announces Federal Grant for the Town of Broome Volunteer Fire Department

BROOME, NY -- Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) announced a $133,333 grant for the Town of Broome Volunteer Fire Department in Schoharie County. The federal funding comes from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This award will allow the fire department to purchase 20 sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) to keep their members safe while fighting fires.

"24 hours a day, 365 days a year, volunteer firefighters across our district are the first to answer the call when members of our community are in danger. First responders risk their health daily to keep our communities safe, and it is critically important that they have the resources needed to respond to emergencies as safely and effectively as possible. Today, I am announcing a $133,333 grant for the Town of Broome Volunteer Fire Department, who will use these funds to purchase updated SCBA allowing their fire men and women to breathe easy while protecting our area," said Rep. Delgado. "I look forward to visiting the fire house to see this new equipment in person and I will keep fighting to ensure our fire districts have the safety equipment they need."

Chief Brian Chichester stated that, "as a small rural fire department, on behalf of the community we serve, we are grateful for this FEMA grant award. The funding will be used to acquire SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) that will replace equipment that does not comply with national standards and guidelines." The Chief added, "Along with adequately equipping firefighters comes the responsibility of protecting their health, safety and well-being in the performance of their duties; also, from a risk reduction standpoint, compliant gear reduces potential liability in the event of an equipment failure on the fireground."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awards grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations, and state fire training academies to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. This program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. Grant projects funded include professional training, wellness and fitness programs equipment, personal protective equipment, modifications to facilities, and supplies that support firefighting and non-affiliated EMS operations and safety.

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