Congressman Brian Higgins, D-NY-26, announced federal funding totaling more than $34,373 for several Western New York fire departments toward the purchase of personal protective equipment to keep firefighters and the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Higgins said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has made the job of keeping our community and families safe much more difficult for our first responders. We commend our local fire departments for adapting to the numerous challenges and are proud to see this federal funding go towards protecting them, as they fearlessly protect us.” The funding, provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and approved by Congress in the CARES Act, will be used for the purchase of personal protective equipment and related supplies during the pandemic, including eye protection, isolation gowns, gloves and respirators.