Lowey and Harrison Fire Department Tout Firefighter Bill

(HARRISON, NY) – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) today joined Westchester County firefighters to praise passage by the House of Representatives of a bill re-authorizing the U.S. Fire Administration, a federal agency that provides critical training, resources, and guidelines for local fire departments. Lowey and the firefighters urged speedy Senate approval and enactment of this important bill.

“Firefighters risk their own well being every day to keep us safe,” said Lowey. “They are often the first to arrive on the scene and the last to leave. We owe it to them to provide the training, resources, and support that will help keep them – and our communities – safe.”

More than 3,000 Americans die in fires each year and the National Fire Protection Association reports that only 13% of departments are trained and equipped to handle certain hazmat incidents and only 11% could handle the collapse of a building with 50 or more occupants.

The U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization Act, passed last week by the U.S. House of Representatives, would enhance various training programs, including response coordination to multiple large-scale events, hazardous material incidents, and advanced emergency medical service issues. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 412-0.

Congresswoman Lowey expressed her hope that the Senate will consider this bill quickly. “During conference negotiations between the House and Senate, I intend to fight for even greater training opportunities for local departments, and I am pleased that the authors of the House bill have agreed to support my proposal to increase funding for direct on-site training for fire departments,” Lowey said.

“The U.S Fire Administration funding is crucial to better train the firefighters of our nation,” said Harrison Fire Marshal Steve Surace. “This funding will help continue the USFA's missions and the Assistance to Firefighter Grants program. We need to do more to save lives from fire and support our firefighters.”

Since September 11, 2001, Congresswoman Lowey has helped to secure over $4 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) for departments in New York’s 18th Congressional District, and has used her seat on the Appropriations Committee to increase funding for the grant program.