Potsdam Fire Awarded 2004 Assistance To Firefighters Grant

Congressman John M. McHugh has announced $83,160.00 in federal funds from the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Program has been awarded to the Potsdam Fire Department. Congressman McHugh said, "I'm thrilled to help deliver these funds to our local fire agencies, which rely upon a strong federal commitment to support their efforts." Congressman McHugh added, "Since the program's inception, FIRE Act grants have been a tremendously helpful tool for our communities to access funding to promote public safety and better equip their operations."

Assistance to Firefighters Program grants are available to rural, suburban, and urban fire departments across the U.S. The one-year grants are used by our nation's firefighters to provide basic tools and resources to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel.The grant program is managed by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP).

"I am proud to have had a hand in creating the Assistance to Firefighters Program because it provides the funding tools our local communities desperately need. I know the program will continue to have a great impact on the abilities of our first responders to help save people and protect property," McHugh concluded.

Potsdam Fire Chief Christopher A. Taylor was very pleased to learn of the award. Chief Taylor added, "We believe our firefighters are our most valuable asset and that protecting them from the hazards of diesel exhaust is one of our highest priorities. Although our firefighters are subjected to work related exposures on an intermittent basis, vehicle exhaust emissions are the only work related carcinogen that they are exposed to consistently."

This is the second Assistance to Firefighters Program grant the Potsdam Fire Department has received. In 2003, the Potsdam Fire Department was awarded over $222,000.00 in federal funds to replace and upgrade self-contained breathing apparatus, purchase a thermal imaging camera, and acquire computerized, interactive training materials along with many other items to enhance firefighter operations and safety.

More information on this round of grants can be found by clicking on the links below

http://www.firehouse.com/funding/fireact/2004/recipients/ny.html