February 10, 2023
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the City of Jamestown was awarded an Fiscal Year 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) totaling $284,291.00. These grant funds will go towards buying new radios and a new rope bailout system. The funds will fully cover the cost of the new items, with no cost share from the City.
The new radios will allow the firefighters to more easily communicate with mutual aid agencies and Chautauqua County EMS. The new bailout system will replace an older bailout system that is now considered obsolete. These are an essential part of a firefighter’s arsenal, as it can provide a firefighter with the capability to make a quick and rapid escape from a fire when standard methods of departure – via stairs, elevator, or a ladder – are not possible.
Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Coon said the following on the award, “I thank FEMA for granting the Jamestown Fire Department these funds to make necessary investments into the safety of firefighters. AFG awards enable fire departments like ours to make critical investments into our members’ firefighting equipment, which will enable us to safely perform our jobs, and help to fulfil our mission to protect the lives and property of Jamestown’s residents.”
Director of Public Safety and Police Chief Timothy Jackson said, “This award will ensure that JFD will be able to clearly communicate with surrounding mutual aid partners and ensure that firefighters will be safe with new bailout systems. These funds, at no cost to taxpayers of Jamestown, will allow us to make further investments into life-saving equipment needed to protect the public.”
Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist released the following statement on the grant award: “I am thrilled that the City of Jamestown was granted these funds to protect our firefighters and give them the most cutting-edge equipment. These funds will allow us to make further investments into our fire department to ensure that these heroes get everything they need to stay safe while protecting Jamestown.”
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