Congressman Chris Collins Announces $531,700 Grant for the Akron Fire Company

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $531,700 in federal funding for the Akron Fire Company. The grant was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program, which is designed to help fire departments maintain a sufficient number of firefighters.

“Our first responders consistently put their lives on the line to protect and serve those in need,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “Providing them with the equipment, training, and funding they need to do their jobs safely and responsibly will ultimately lead to more efficient first responders and safer communities. This grant funding will also allow first responders to use their resources more effectively, and I am honored to help the Akron Fire Company secure this vital funding.”

“The $531,700 SAFER grant will allow our Company to increase our membership and purchase training equipment to meet the technological needs for our coursework, drills, and physical fitness,” said Keith Hochreiter, President of the Akron Fire Company. “This grant will also allow the Akron Fire Company to continue balancing fiscal responsibility and the needs of our community that we proudly serve.”

This federal grant will allow the Akron Fire Company to expand its hiring practices and maintain a sufficient number of on-duty firefighters. The Akron Fire Company will also use these funds to ensure they are equipped with the proper technology to train efficiently and remain both mentally and physically fit at all times.

The SAFER Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase, or maintain, the number of trained first responders in their communities.

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