Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel announced the awarding of a Department of Homeland Security grant of $154,613 to the Piermont Fire Department to purchase 31 self-contained breathing apparatuses.

Rep. Engel said, “A self-contained breathing apparatus provides breathable air in situations of immediate danger to life and health. The equipment this grant buys will help save the lives of firefighters as well as civilians. This is an example of a government grant helping a locality to better, and more safely, perform its job.”

Rep. Engel said the award is made under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is part of the approximately $565 million in grants made directly to fire departments and Emergency Medical Service organizations to enhance their capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel.