On Jan. 6, United States Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps is the recipient of $57,000 from the fourth-round of the FY11 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
The funds will allow CAVAC to upgrade two ambulances with state-of-the-art heart monitors. The two monitors the organization owns will serve as backup equipment.
“This investment will be a big help to the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps, better equipping our first responders to quickly and safely respond to emergencies,” said Schumer. “These funds will also guarantee that our local first responders have the critically important life saving devices that allow them to do their work as efficiently and safely as possible.”
The AFG program was formed to provide funding to local fire departments, while helping them improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training.
Departments work to enhance emergency medical services programs, develop health and safety initiatives establish fire education and prevention programs, create wellness and fitness programs as well as upgrade equipment and facilities.
AFG awards managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and are designed to help first responders and firefighters obtain the critical equipment, gear, vehicles and training needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and other hazards.
Grants are administered by the department of homeland security in cooperation with the department’s United States Fire Administration. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants who directly address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. To learn more about the AFG program, visit firegrantsupport.com.
CAVAC is located at 106 Nelson St. in Cazenovia. More information on the organization can be found at 655-9798 or cavacambulance.org. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
Pierce Smith is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at 434-8889 ext. 338 or [email protected]
