Congressman Chris Collins Announces $28,353 Grant for the East Avon Fire Department

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $28,353 in federal funding for the East Avon Fire Department. The grant was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG), which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

“Our first responders routinely risk their lives to protect us,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “The least we can do is provide them with the equipment, training, and funding they need to do their jobs. This grant funding will help create more efficient and effective first responders, and I am honored to help the East Avon Fire Department secure this vital funding.”

“The $28,353 grant from FEMA will allow our fire department to upgrade its stock of aging Automatic External Defibrillators,” said Chris Batzel, East Avon Fire Department Chief. “This will allow for a defibrillator to be located in every piece of our front line apparatus, which will provide a better chance for us to save lives. The East Avon Fire Department and part of the Town of Avon Fire District membership feel very fortunate to have received this award from FEMA.”

This federal grant will allow the East Avon Fire Department to upgrade their out of date Automatic External Defibrillators and provide the department with an opportunity to purchase a chest compression device. The chest compression device will eliminate the need for first responders to conduct manual chest compressions during CPR-related incidents.

The AFG Program provides direct funding assistance to first-responder organizations to obtain much needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles and training.

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