WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) today announced the New Rochelle Fire Department will receive a $316,082 federal grant to replace aging equipment, helping to keep Westchester County communities safe.

“First responders serve their communities by responding to emergencies and helping those in need of assistance,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “It is our responsibility to ensure they have the equipment and training they need to help keep us – and themselves – safe.  I am pleased the Department of Homeland Security is addressing this need in New Rochelle.”

Lowey is a senior member – and the only New Yorker – on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, where she has strongly advocated initiatives to support local fire departments.

Captain Barry Nechis of the New Rochelle Fire Department said the funding will be used to replace thermal imaging cameras, which help to find missing individuals inside burning structures. 

“It will also allow NRFD to upgrade self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which will improve the safety of firefighters and save the city a substantial amount of capital funds,” said Nechis.  “It would be much harder for us to protect our community without Congresswoman Lowey’s long standing efforts for emergency services.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which is administered by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Grants and Training in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration, awards grants directly to fire departments and EMS agencies. Funds may be used to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, emergency medical service programs, fire prevention and safety programs, and to purchase new fire equipment.

###