Grant will help purchase new breathing apparatuses

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), State Sen. Terry Gipson, and local officials announced that the Philipstown North Highlands Fire District will receive $110,675 for an investment in new life-saving equipment.

North Highlands Fire Department
North Highlands Fire Department

“Our volunteer firefighters risk their lives to protect our neighbors — this investment for one of the fire departments in my hometown, the Philipstown North Highlands Fire District, gives our all-volunteer force the support they need to continue keeping our homes, businesses and schools safe,” Maloney said.

This investment, through the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, will replace outdated equipment with the purchase of new breathing apparatuses, a device worn by first responders to provide breathable air in life-threatening conditions.

“I’m grateful for this new protective equipment — it’s key and the first line of defense in keeping our firefighters safe and able to fight fires in our community. After applying for this grant several times, I’m thankful that it was finally awarded,” said Fire Chief Joseph Hyatt.

“This equipment has a short shelf life and it was due to be replaced by NFPA requirements. The district has worked very hard to obtain this grant to reduce the burden on local taxpayers and the award is certainly welcome news,” said firefighter, former chief, and Philipstown Councilman John Van Tassel.

“This is a great example of the federal government assisting local communities in a meaningful way and I’m grateful to Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney for bringing this much needed apparatus to our hardworking local firefighters in Philipstown,” Philipstown Supervisor Richard Shea said.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. Visit fema.gov/firegrants.

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