Lowey Announces Two Grants Benefiting White Plains and Ossining

From the Office of Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey:

Lowey Announces Two Grants for White Plains and Ossining Emergency Services Providers

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, announced two Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grants awarded to the White Plains Fire Bureau and the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps, helping improve safety in communities across Westchester.

“Local emergency services providers play a critical role in protecting our neighborhoods and families,” said Congresswoman Nita Lowey. “I am pleased that these two grants will better equip the White Plains Fire Bureau and the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps to respond to emergencies. As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to ensure that first responders in Westchester have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.”

The White Plains Fire Bureau received $361,646 in federal funds to replace outdated breathing equipment. "The Assistance to Firefighters Grant will be used to replace our aging Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. The new equipment, which is compliant with National Standards, will greatly improve the health and safety of our members and increase our effectiveness during emergency response. Through enhanced design modifications, the new equipment reduces physical stress, while improving safety, communications and member accountability. The AFG workshops that were hosted by FEMA, the Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and the Office of U.S. Representative Nita Lowey, were of great assistance to us in preparing a successful grant application,” said White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach.

The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps received $121,399 in federal funds for two new defibrillators and 87 new EMS rescue turnout coats, helmets, and gloves. “We are extremely grateful for the AFG program which will allow us the ability to replace aging equipment and to provide OVAC with the latest tools to more effectively treat patients as well as protect our personnel,” said Nick Franzoso, Director of Ossining Volutneer Ambulance Corps. “I also couldn’t think of a better time to receive such great news than National EMS Week, as we are recognizing the dedication of EMS practitioners nationwide.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program awarding grants directly to fire departments, non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations, and state fire training academies to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public. The AFG program is an important component of strengthening the United States’ overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Since Fiscal Year 2001, it has provided approximately $6.4 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much needed equipment, emergency vehicles, and training.