New Gear for Nanuet Fire Department

NANUET, NY — The Nanuet Fire District will receive $38,455 in federal funds to purchase 16 sets of new turnout gear, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced Wednesday.

The senators announced $227,589 in federal funding for three Hudson Valley fire departments: Nanuet, the Village of Scarsdale and Hortonville Volunteer Fire Company.

“The Nanuet Fire Department is pleased to accept this $38,445 award from FEMA,” said Vincent Pacella, Commissioner of Nanuet Fire District. "The award will purchase 16 sets of turnout gear that will replace turnout gear we have deemed unsafe and offers minimal protection to our members. This award will ensure all of our active members will have NFPA compliant PPE. Turnout gear is used by our members at every incident and training drill. We would like to thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her support of our application that will ensure the safety of our members."

The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Village of Scarsdale located in Westchester County will receive $174,991 to purchase approximately 30 SCBA sets – air packs, 2 bottles and masks. The Nanuet Fire District located in Rockland County will receive $38,455 to purchase 16 sets of new turnout gear. The Hortonville Volunteer Fire Company located in Sullivan County will receive $14,143 to purchase new turnout gear.

“With this funding, our Hudson Valley firefighters can focus on their critical, life-saving work knowing they have new and reliable protective equipment,” said Schumer in the announcement. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide them with the resources and up-to-date tools they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”

“These federal funds will allow our fire departments to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting our communities,” said Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need. Funding is allocated to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards.

More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.

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