Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that the Brocton Fire Company will receive $111,910 in federal Homeland Security funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program (AFGP).

“This significant grant will go a long way toward protecting the Brocton/Portland community and the brave and selfless fighters who serve the region,” said Congressman Higgins.

The Brocton Fire Company was awarded this grant under the AFGP Operations and Safety Program which makes funds available for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to station and facilities. 

Established in 1896, the Brocton Fire Company has a long history of serving the residents and businesses in the Village which is located in the Town of Portland in Chautauqua County, NY.  

Congressman Higgins has hosted several fire grants workshops where participants are invited to learn first hand from a DHS Fire Grant Specialist how to put together a qualifying application.  All applications are then submitted to DHS and go through a non-partisan, merit based review ranked by factors established by a panel of service professionals.  Over the last several years, fire companies in Congressman Higgins’ district have received over $ 12.2 million in aid.

The funding is awarded through the 2008 program authorized by Congress which includes $500 million in direct assistance to firefighters to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the United States.  The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP) administers the program, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

For more information about the grant program please contact Congressman Higgins’ office at 716-852-3501.