In Depew: Gillibrand Announces Federal Grant For Depew Fire Department; Funding Will Help Protect Firefighters From Carcinogenic Toxins

In Depew: Gillibrand Announces Federal Grant For Depew Fire Department; Funding Will Help Protect Firefighters From Carcinogenic Toxins

Aug 26, 2024

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited Depew to announce $32,000 in federal funding she secured for the Depew Fire Department. The funding will allow the department to purchase a specialized industrial washer and dryer capable of cleaning off the soot, ash, and toxins that accumulate on firefighters' gear over time. Built up grime makes protective gear less effective, while toxins pose serious dangers to firefighters' long-term health. Industrial-grade PPE washers and dryers are the best way to clean firefighter gear and remove these contaminants.

"Depew's brave firefighters put themselves in danger to keep us safe," said Senator Gillibrand. "We owe it to them to make sure they have the highest quality protective equipment available and the means to keep it functioning at its best. I'm proud to be delivering this federal funding today for the Depew Fire Department, and I'm committed to making sure every fire department across New York has the funding and resources they need to take on any emergency."

"This federal funding provides critical resources to the Depew Fire Department and supports the selfless work of those who keep our neighbors and communities safe," Congressman Kennedy said. "Specifically, this funding will provide nearly $33,000 for the department to purchase an industrial washer and dryer to better remove carcinogens from gear that will reduce the risk of cancer in firefighters. We owe it to our firefighters to provide the equipment necessary to minimize the risks while on the job and protect their long-term well-being."

"The challenges that local governments face to keep their firefighters as safe as possible while they volunteer their time to protect the residents and businesses of their community are numerous. There is the challenge of recruiting and training new volunteers. The challenge to provide the protective gear to outfit new volunteers. The challenge to provide the proper equipment, fire apparatus, fire stations, medical screenings and insurance protection for our volunteers. Searching for and obtaining funding to accomplish all of these things requires effort and at times thinking out-of-the-box. The Village of Depew is appreciative of Past Chief Scott Wegst for applying for the grant to purchase the new washer and dryer to keep our members gear clean and free of toxins, AND we are also thankful for the support of Senator Gillibrand for bringing these funds back to the communities in NYS that can be benefit from them," said Village of Depew Mayor Kevin Peterson.

"I applaud Senator Gillibrand for fighting for this funding," said Depew Fire Chief Brian Musielak. "A new washer and dryer will help our firefighters stay healthy and help keep their equipment ready to go for the next emergency."

"Our volunteer firefighters give their free time to do the dangerous work of protecting the public from fires and other emergencies. They deserve top-of-the-line equipment to ensure their safety and support their lifesaving mission. I thank U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for delivering federal funding to protect Depew firefighters from harmful, cancer-causing chemicals," said Assemblymember Monica Wallace.

Gillibrand was joined by Congressman Tim Kennedy, Village of Depew Mayor Kevin Peterson, and Depew Fire Chief Brian Musielak.

This grant was awarded through FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG provides competitive grant funding to fire departments to acquire equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, station enhancements, and training that fire departments need to respond to emergencies. AFG funds the purchase of everything from the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs) that provide oxygen to firefighters during responses to critical capital-intensive items like new pumper or ladder trucks. Gillibrand is a longstanding advocate of AFG and has pushed for additional funding for the program. Last year, she helped secure 175 grants totaling $28.5 million in funding for departments across New York State through AFG.