PLEASANT VALLEY – The Pleasant Valley Fire District (PVFD) received a FEMA grant worth $25,948.70 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant COVID-19. This grant will provide funding for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfection supplies for PVFD personnel who respond to calls where potentially infectious individuals may be. The PVFD is responsible for funding $1297.44 of the grant for a total approved budget of $27,246.14.
The PVFD Board of Fire Commissioners were notified of the grant award by FEMA Acting Assistant Administrator Grants Program Christopher Logan. FEMA has provided monetary assistance through grants for the enhancement of emergency services by providing money for equipment, personal protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to our nation’s firefighters. PVFD has received FEMA AFG Grants in the past. Most recently in 2010, the PVFD received a grant for $84,340 to purchase 36 sets of interior turnout gear, worn by firefighters as they battle fires.
District Chief Jeff Hickman, accepting the grant said “Our number one priority is to protect the first responders of the Pleasant Valley Fire District and provide them with the personal protective equipment they need to safely serve the community. This grant will ensure that our members have the equipment available to them during these challenging times”. Hickman added that the district is “continuing to secure PPE and disinfectant supplies for a “second wave of COVID-19” predicted for this fall and winter.
Pleasant Valley Fire District is a combination emergency services organization that provides fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the community using a staff of both career and volunteer personnel. Fire Commissioner Chairman Jim Albrecht addressed the grant and the members, saying “It is a very tough job keeping the budget balanced while trying to keep over 100 volunteers and 3 paid staff safe through these unpredictable and historical times. Fortunately, we have a well rounded and talented group of people that I feel is handling this pandemic very well.”
Albrecht also thanked those responsible for seeking the available funding. “I would like to thank Commissioner Melissa Lawlor, Fire District Consultant Chris Maeder, Director of Purchasing John Harmuth, and Municipal Training Officer Tom Murphy for getting this grant together.”
Maeder is the recently retired chief of the Fairview Fire District in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
