Congressman Maurice Hinchey announced Wednesday that the Town of Owego Fire District has been awarded $98,280 in federal grant funding to help purchase new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus units that ensure firefighters have breathable air when entering dangerous environments.
The funding is provided through the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program and is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Walt Jones, Chairman of the Town of Owego Fire District said “The grant will allow the Town of Owego Fire District to upgrade its 26 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus units to meet the 2013 standards. The upgraded units provide air supply indicators, bailout capabilities and other required upgrades. The grant, combined with 10% matching funds from the fire district, will provide our firefighters with the safest SCBAs available.
Hinchey has worked to secure funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program since its inception in 2001.
Since the fire grant program started, nearly $20 million in grants have been awarded to fire and emergency departments in the congressional district Hinchey represents.
Hinchey has sponsored a number of workshops across his congressional district to help fire departments successfully navigate the grant application process.
Hinchey is also the author of the SERVE (Supporting Emergency Responders’ Volunteer Efforts) Act, which would provide a $1,000 federal tax credit to individuals who are active members of volunteer firefighting and EMS organizations.
For the most current information regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, please visit www.fema.gov/firegrants.
