Brockport Fire Department receives funding for vital equipment

Brockport Fire Department receives
funding for vital equipment
Grant of nearly $306,000 one of largest in state

It's been 15 years since the Brockport Fire Department has fully updated the airpacks that the firefighters use. Now, through the receipt of a $305,954 grant from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighter Grants Program, they will be able to purchase 56 airpacks and three rapid intervention team packs.

Christopher Martin, public information officer for the department, said the current airpacks are old and outdated. "The self-contained breathing apparatus will include new tanks, hoses and face pieces. The new face pieces will improve hygiene and reduce the necessary cleaning for each piece, lengthening the apparatus' lifespan," he said.

The new airpacks, Martin said, are much lighter than the packs firefighters use currently.

"Carrying the lighter airpacks will be less tiring and stressful on the firefighters when they are on calls," he said. 'There have been major advances and improvements in the airpacks over the last 15 years. Anything we can do to improve the health of the firefighters is something that is crucial for us to look into."

Congressman Thomas Reynolds (56th District) was instrumental in securing the grant for the department. In a press release, Reynolds wrote, "Today we have a heightened awareness and appreciation for the vital role that first-responders, especially firefighters, play in addressing emergencies and making our communities safe."

The funds received by the BFD will allow it to replace all of the airpacks in use.

First Chief Laurence Vaughan said the department appreciates the efforts and support Reynolds has offered the department.

"Our local firefighters lay their lives on the line for their neighbors' safety and we must ensure they have the best training and equipment available. This funding will help make Brockport more prepared and allow our firefighters to more effectively and safely do their work."

Brockport Village Manager Ian Coyle said, "If you look across the state at other New York municipal fire departments receiving money in the first round of awards, the Brockport Fire Department's grant, with more than $300,000, is among the largest awards. Our hats are off to the volunteers of our department who continue to seek out grant opportunities. The grant funds are a plus to not only the Village of Brockport but to the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson that contract with our fire department for service. These funds will allow the department to stave off municipal budget expenses for the upcoming, full-scale replacement of our SCBA airpacks."

Martin said Reynolds also helped the department secure more than $184,000 two years ago. The department used those funds to purchase its training trailer and to upgrade radio equipment.