Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) and City of Lackawanna Mayor Norman Polanski announced the Lackawanna Fire Department will receive $9,975 in Homeland Security funding in the second round of Fire Prevention and Safety grants for fiscal year 2007. 

 

“These resources play an important role in safeguarding the residents and businesses in the City of Lackawanna and the dedicated first responders who work to protect and serve this region,” said Congressman Higgins.   “While oftentimes funding is available for fire fighting equipment and training, this program is unique in its focus on preventing fires before they start.” 

 

“We are pleased to be able to expand safety programs in our community and appreciate Congressman Higgins’ advocacy and support,” said Mayor Polanski. 

 

Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) grants are intended to help local organizations address fire prevention and safety issues with the primary goal of reaching high-risk target groups including children, seniors and firefighters. Twenty-seven million dollars was made available in the fiscal year 2007 budget for FP&S grants.  FP&S is part of a larger Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) program administered by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the US Fire Administration.

 

“With the recent news of the fire deaths in Buffalo and the 2006 death in Lackawanna from carbon monoxide poisoning, this grant is a tremendous opportunity to help protect the citizens of Lackawanna from the silent danger of carbon monoxide as well as offering protection from residential fires,” said Lackawanna Fire Chief Ralph Galanti. 

 

Located at 1630 Abbott Road, the Lackawanna Fire Department provides emergency response services to over 19,000 residents living in the city’s six square miles.  
 
For four consecutive years Congressman Higgins has hosted fire grant workshops where local firefighters were invited to learn first hand from a DHS Fire Grant Specialist how to put together a qualifying application.  Since 2005 Congressman Higgins has helped to secure over $6.6 million in fire grant funding. 

 

For more information about the fire grant program please contact Congressman Higgins’ office at 716-852-3501.