Lowey Announces Federal Grant for Sleepy Hollow Fire Department

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (Westchester/Rockland) announced today that the Sleepy Hollow Fire Department will receive a $79,325 federal grant to be used to purchase a vehicle exhaust system that will protect firefighters from dangerous and cancer-causing fumes.

“Firefighters routinely risk their own health and safety for the protection of the communities they serve,” said Lowey. “Just as firefighters look after our well-being, we must ensure that they have the resources and equipment to keep themselves safe and healthy. I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has recognized this need in New York.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program awards funds directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards. Using a competitive process overseen by fire service experts, AFG grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best enhance ability to protect the public and first responder personnel.

Lowey, a member of the Homeland Security and Appropriations Committees, has worked to bolster programs that give first responders the training, equipment, and additional staff they need to respond to every potential emergency.

“With this funding, the Sleepy Hollow FD will be able to create a wellness program to ensure the Sleepy Hollow firefighters are in good health and physical condition,” said Chief John Korzelius. “This includes physical exams to find out health concerns before there is a problem. The first thing we worry about is health.”

“The assistance from the federal government is greatly appreciated because this funding won’t just be used in six months like other sources of funding, but it will be used to ensure the health of the Sleepy Hollow firefighters for years to come,” added Assistant Chief Todd Spota.