Congressman Chris Collins Announces $152,000 Grant for District Fire Company

Congressman Chris Collins  today announced $152,000 in federal funding for Newstead Fire Company. The grant was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG), which is designed to help fire companies, like Newstead, improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

“Providing the necessary funding for our first responders is the least we can do,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “Our local heroes need the proper resources to do their jobs and protect our communities. This funding will help create a more efficient and effective Newstead Fire Company, and I am proud I was able to help them secure this money.”

The fire company will utilize the grant money to revamp outdated breathing equipment eliminating a tremendous burden on the company’s firefighters.

“Our breathing equipment hasn’t been updated since 1983, and is outdated according to the National Fire Protection Association,” said Garret Cleversley, 2nd Assistant Chief of the Newstead Fire Company. “The new equipment is safer, better, and more than eleven pounds lighter allowing our volunteer firefighters to perform their jobs faster and more efficiently. I would like to thank Newstead Fire Company’s grant committee led by Mike Young, the town of Newstead’s grant writers, and Congressman Chris Collins for helping our fire company secure this vital funding.”

Earlier this year, Congressman Collins submitted a letter on behalf of Newstead in support of their funding request. That letter can be read here.