NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. — The City of North Tonawanda Fire Department is the recent recipient of a $174,600 federal grant.
The funding — awarded through the United States Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program — couldn't have come at a better time. The fire department was in need of a new fire hose to replace one that has been in use for over 30 years.
Congressman Brian Higgins' office says local resources were not available, but the hose needed to be updated in order to meet compliance standards recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. This was the department's third time applying for the grant.
“The job of a firefighter is never easy, but it becomes especially difficult without the right equipment,” Higgins said. “We commend the North Tonawanda Fire Department for their persistence and success in pursuing this highly competitive award. And we thank each member who has committed to responding to and protecting our neighbors and neighborhoods.”
The new equipment will allow the City of North Tonawanda Fire Department to increase the amount of water pumped per minute. Higgins' office says the new hose will also allow the department to allocate personnel and resources more efficiently.
Part of the grant will also purchase hose adapters, nozzles, and other critical equipment.
