Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Company will receive $62,458 in federal Homeland Security funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program (AFGP).

“The dedicated volunteers at Bellevue do incredible work selflessly serving the businesses and neighborhoods in the Como Park, Losson & Union road area,” said Congressman Higgins.   “This will help protect them as they work each day protecting all of us.” 

Chief Robert Havernick, III stated, “This grant allows us to properly equip the men and women of the Bellevue Fire Company who put their lives on the line to serve our community.”   Chief Havernick went on to say, “Without the funding from this program, and the strong effort from Congressman Higgins and his staff, we would be sending our firefighters into burning buildings with less than adequate protection.”  The Chief, along with all of the members of the fire company, are truly grateful for Congressman Higgins dedication and support of the fire service and the community that we protect.

The Bellevue Volunteer Fire Company is located on Como Park Boulevard and provides fire and rescue services to residents and businesses in the Town of Cheektowaga. 

Bellevue firefighters have attended several fire grant workshops hosted by Congressman Higgins 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.

This grant will be used to purchase turn out gear for the firefighters.  In 2007, Bellevue received a $158,312 federal grant used to purchase 33 state of the art self-contained breathing apparatus (air paks).

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.