Text of Senator Charles Schuman's Letter to Mr. Michael Brown Deputy Director Federal Emergency Management Agency
Dear Mr. Brown:
I am pleased to write in support of the Richburg-Wirt Fire District's application for funding under the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Such funding will enable the Richburg-Wirt Fire District to purchase a desperately needed pumper that will serve as a first responder firefighting vehicle.
Located in the Great Hills of Allegany County, an area at the center of the hardwood region and known for its wealth of fauna, the Richburg-Wirt Fire District provides search and rescue for lost hunters and assists with the removal of downed trees from snow, ice and wind storms. The Richburg-Wirt Fire District covers approximately thirty-six square miles and provides mutual aid to five contiguous districts in Cattaraugus County, New York and McKean and Potter Counties in Pennsylvania. Due to its proximity to the Richfield Sandstone Formation, an area comprised of numerous natural gas lines and wells, and the Allegany National Forest, the Richburg-Wirt Fire District must replace its 1979 Ford Chassis with Pierce Fire Fighting Pumper that was taken out of service in November 2002 after it failed to pass New York State Inspection.
With funding, the Richburg-Wirt Fire District will purchase a Class A Fire Pumper from Pierce, complete with a 1,200 gallon tank, 100 watt radio, deluge gun, and ladders. The pumper meets current NFPA standards as a "ready to respond" fire apparatus. The addition of the new pumper will enable the Richburg-Wirt Fire District to better serve the Allegany County community and provide first responder emergency and mutual aid service to contiguous counties. I applaud the Richburg-Wirt Fire District in its foresight and hope their application for funding under the Firefighting Vehicle Acquisition Program meets with your approval.
Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact my office for additional information.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
U.S. Senator