Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing over $96,000 in grant funding awarded to Western New York fire departments through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

“Local fire departments provide vital emergency services and support to our local communities. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for continuing their tireless work bravely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Jacobs said. “These grants, provided through DHS, will be instrumental in aiding our local fire departments in purchasing PPE and other safety equipment so our firefighters are better protected and can continue safely serving our community.”

The grants were award through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) FY2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The program is administered by DHS in conjunction with the U.S. Fire Administration. The funding is awarded to support the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety supplies to aid with first responders’ COVID-19 response.

Grants awarded in NY-27 are as follows: 

• $46,095.24 to Adam’s Fire Company in North Tonawanda

• $32,776.62 to Big Tree Volunteer Fireman’s Company in Hamburg

• $7,528.57 to Lewiston Fire Company One in Lewiston

• $5,889.94 to Town of Niagara Active Hose Company in Niagara Falls

• $2,976.05 to Millgrove Volunteer Fire Department in Alden

• $1,294.12 to Harris Hill Volunteer Fire Company in Williamsville

“Personal Protective equipment is extremely important to protect the health of our firefighters, and it has become increasingly harder to find and expensive to purchase. Our personnel use PPE on every single call, so this grant funding will be very helpful in ensuring we are protected and can continue to safely answer calls and support the community,” James Mihalko, Safety Officer and President - Adam’s Fire Company, said.