U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy announced recently that the Town of Olean had been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $21,904.76.
The Olean Volunteer Fire Department will use the grant toward the purchase of a new skid unit for fighting brush fires, oleantimesherald.com reported.
A skid unit consists of a water tank, pump, and hose that can be mounted on a four-wheel-drive pickup truck or all-terrain vehicle, giving firefighters increased ability to reach an offroad area where a wildfire might be burning, according to the report.
“Our Olean firefighters play an indispensable role in public safety, risking their lives for their neighbors on a daily basis,” said Langworthy. “This funding will enable them to obtain equipment and training that will improve response times while giving them more safety on the job. I’m proud to advocate for this funding that directly supports our first responders.”
Earlier this year, Langworthy hosted a virtual seminar with FEMA officials to help local fire departments understand and prepare for the application process for these grants. The AFG program aims to enhance the safety and readiness of fire departments nationwide by providing funding for essential equipment, protective gear, and training.
