Congressman Chris Collins Announces $67,545 Grant for the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company in Lockport, NY
Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $67,545 in federal funding for the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company, located in Lockport. 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.
“Last Wednesday, when 50 fire companies across five counties in Western New York responded to a tire recycling plant fire in Lockport that took three days to extinguish, we witnessed firsthand how important it is to ensure our first responders are protected at all times,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “Calls that require a widespread response to a community in need, like we saw last week, demonstrate why we must always support our first responders. I am extremely grateful of the service demonstrated by all of the first responders last week and I was honored to help the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company secure this vital funding.”
“This $67,545 in funding will allow our department to replace our outdated cardiac monitors with new monitors that will help ensure the public’s safety and the safety of our first responders,” said Andrew Doyle, Rapids Volunteer Fire Company President. “We look forward to continue serving the community and working with our federal representatives to obtain the grant funding necessary to protect our local residents and first responders.”
This federal grant will allow the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company to purchase new cardiac monitors to replace outdated monitors. These monitors will measure the physiological status of the firefighters when responding to calls and ensure their vitals are properly maintained at all times.
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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