The Buffalo Fire Department is getting some help from FEMA.
City officials announced Wednesday they’ve received a $322,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant to obtain new equipment and training for firefighters. The funding is part of more than $33.6 million awarded to 166 fire departments nationwide by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“This grant will help to increase the capabilities of the Buffalo Fire Department to respond to the various different issues that our fire department encounters on behalf of the people of Buffalo,” said Mayor Byron Brown.
The money will specifically purchase swift water rescue equipment and specialized equipment for rescue task force personnel, according to city officials. It will be used also be used to send 55 firefighters and 10 city police officers to EMT and mass casualty response training.
“Our normal annual budget supports our basic needs, but to expand into these other areas, we need to avail ourselves to these other funds that are available mostly under federal, state and local grants,” said Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo.
The department has a $58.47 million budget this fiscal year.
The grant will also support the city’s AED replacement program initiative and complete EMS and CPR certifications for all members of the Buffalo Fire Department.
Other Western New York departments receiving Assistance to Firefighters Grants include the Armor Volunteer Fire Department and the City of Olean Fire Department. Armor received $146,742 for new air packs, while Olean received $25,238 for water rescue training.
