The Randolph Fire Company Inc. will receive $81,000 in federal funding to replace all of the department’s old SCBA packs and air bottles.

“The Randolph Fire Company will use funds received from the AFG program to replace their entire inventory of 12 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and 24 air bottles. Randolph’s current SCBAs have become unsafe per current standards and no longer can be repaired as parts are not available due to the age of the equipment. This grant will replace these SCBAs with new packs that meet current NFPA standards for function and safety to protect our firefighters as they volunteer their time protecting the Randolph community and surrounding area when requested for mutual aid assistance,” said David Senn, assistant chief, Randolph Fire Company Inc.

The funding is part of $445,421.89 in federal funding for four fire departments in Erie and Cattaraugus counties to purchase new breathing equipment through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York and Senate minority leader. “Our first responders in Western New York and across the state are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security–it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. The funding will be used to support the operations and safety of fire departments, which could include providing professional training, purchasing wellness programs equipment and personal protective equipment, and upgrading facilities and supplies. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be found here.

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day while protecting their communities,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York. “I am proud to announce these funds for fire departments in the Village of Depew, Town of Sardinia, Town of West Seneca, and Town of Randolph. This investment will allow these fire departments to purchase critical equipment to help first responders breathe clean air as they keep communities in Western New York safe. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that our local fire departments have the resources they need to do their jobs safely.”