TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – The Arlington Fire District has been awarded a federal grant of just under $52,000 under the Assistance to Firefighters Supplemental grant program.
The grant program was created by FEMA as part of the federal CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funds will be used for the reimbursement and future purchase of personal protective equipment for first responders, and for disinfecting/sterilization of supplies and equipment.
“Being able to keep our paramedics and EMTs safe, while providing the highest possible levels of emergency medical care to the community goes directly to the heart of what we do here each and every day,” said Fire Chief William Steenbergh. The district typically treats more than 500 patients every month, and during the recent COVID-19 surge 40 percent were either exhibiting symptoms of the virus or were already known to be positive.
He said the grant will provide reimbursement for much of those unbudgeted expenses.
