Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that Cheektowaga Fire Company Doyle Hose Company #1 has been awarded $275,000 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 and increasing our communities overall preparedness in the event of an emergency,” said Congressman Brian Higgins.  “This funding will help to build our dedicated team of first responders in Cheektowaga.”

“Organizations are struggling to maintain existing membership and recruit new volunteers,” Fire Chief Chip Schnurstein said.  “We appreciate this federal grant which will allow for better community outreach so we can enlist the next generation of emergency responders.”

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 1904, Doyle Fire Hose Company #1 is located at 2199 Williams Street.

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