Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that West Seneca Fire District #6, commonly known as Vigilant Fire Company, has been awarded $93,834 in federal funding through the Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.

“Firefighter recruitment and retention efforts are essential to maintaining a strong fire department,” said Congressman Brian Higgins.  “This funding will help increase our dedicated team of first responders in West Seneca.”

SAFER grants are aimed at increasing the number of firefighters and enhancing their ability to ensure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire related hazards.  In the 2007 budget, Congress approved $115 million for the SAFER program which provides competitive grants to fire departments and statewide or local firefighter interest groups.  These awards are administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

Established in 1893, Vigilant is located at 666 Main Street and has 53 active members.  This is the second federal fire grant Vigilant has been awarded this year.  In January Vigilant Fire received $55,455 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.