Press Releases

Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced three federal grants totaling $167,520.94 for fire departments serving the City of Buffalo, a portion of the Town of West Seneca, and the Village of Depew. The funding is provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program. 

“This federal funding provides critical resources to support the selfless work of firefighters and our neighbors in the communities they serve,” Congressman Kennedy said. “Importantly, this funding will invest in the protective gear and equipment that will better keep firefighters safe and healthy on and off duty.” 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

The Buffalo Fire Department has been awarded a $72,000 grant, which will be used to acquire Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), or turnout gear, which helps keep firefighters safe on duty. Costing approximately $5,000 per set, this grant will support the purchase of 15 full sets. Firefighter Buffalo Fire is a professional department, operating under 19 fire stations, and serving residents, workers, and visitors to the City’s neighborhoods in a 40-square-mile area.  

The Depew Fire Department has been granted $32,879.04 in federal funding, which will be used to procure an industrial washer and dryer that better remove carcinogens from gear and equipment to reduce the risk of cancer in firefighters. Dating back to 1894, the all-volunteer fire company serves the more than 15,000 residents living in the Village of Depew.  

East Seneca Volunteer Fire Company (Fire District 4), has been awarded $62,641.90, which will be used to purchase an automated power lift system for the Company's ambulance that will load and unload patients into in a safe manner while preventing injuries from firefighters performing dangerous lifts.  

Congress authorized $324 million for the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program to be distributed to departments nationwide to support readiness, training, equipment, and community safety. Grants are awarded through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process. 

Western New York fire departments can find more information at: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters.

###