Three area fire departments share nearly $300,000 in federal aid

WASHINGTON – The Mahopac Falls, Chester and New Hampton fire departments will receive a total of $297,806 in funds from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
The New Hampton Fire District will use its $164,105 to update its self-contained breathing apparatus, which provide firefighters with clean air in fire emergencies.
The Chester department will receive $52,272 to acquire a ventilation system to eliminate fumes that may get trapped inside the station as fire trucks start up and respond to emergencies.
The Mahopac Falls department will use its $81,429 grant to acquire 35 sets of turnout gear, helmets, and boots, to protect firefighters as they respond to emergencies.
The grants were announced by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney.