Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that the City of Buffalo Fire Department will receive $789,600 in federal Homeland Security funding in the first round of 2009 grants authorized through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program (AFGP).

“This considerable federal commitment will go a long way toward protecting the dedicated professional Buffalo Firefighters and the businesses and neighborhoods they serve,” said Congressman Higgins.  

This recent grant will be used to buy new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs) for the Department. Last year the Department was awarded $ 758,400 toward the purchase of new personal protective equipment for the firefighters, which includes helmets and turn out gear.  

“I thank Congressman Higgins for his continued support of the Buffalo Fire Department, helping us to secure critically important federal funding for additional protective gear and equipment for our brave firefighters,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “Since taking office, I have upgraded the technology available to our fire personnel, added significant capital funds for the purchase of new equipment and worked closely with Congressman Higgins and the members of our federal delegation to ensure that our firefighters have the best and most up-to-date equipment available. I’m proud that the dedicated members of the Buffalo Fire Department have reduced arson fires by 47% since 2005 and continue to make Buffalo safe for all our residents.”

City of Buffalo 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 $ 13 million in aid.

The funding is awarded through the 2009 program authorized by Congress which includes $565 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.