North Amherst Fire Company receives $59,185 for tools, gear

Funding awarded to North Amherst Fire Company will be used to purchase critical new equipment, enhancing its first-responder capabilities.

Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds, R-Amherst, who secured the grant, said the company will receive $59,185 through the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighter Grants Program.

"Our local firefighters sacrifice their safety to serve their fellow neighbors," Reynolds said. "In return, we must provide the best equipment we can to keep them protected and allow them to serve us more effectively."

The grant is much needed. "This is great news for Amherst firefighters," said North Amherst Fire Company 1st Assistant Chief Joseph Rozbicki. "We were really hoping to get this grant, as we sorely needed new rescue tools and turnout gear."

The Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program is administered by the DHS Office for Domestic Preparedness. The FIRE Act authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to appropriate the grant monies to fire departments and EMS organizations to improve their ability to protect the health and safety of the public.

"Funding for our fire departments is an investment in our community's safety," Reynolds said. "I'm pleased this funding is coming to the North Amherst Fire Company so our local firefighters have the equipment they need to respond to emergencies and keep themselves and those they serve safe."