Funds can be used for PPE and other equipment to combat the coronavirus in New York

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester) today announced $72,900.95 in federal funding for the Piermont Fire Department. The money comes from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program funded in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. These supplemental fiscal year 2020 funds can be used for personal protective equipment (PPE) and related supplies for the Piermont Fire Department to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Firefighters are essential workers who support our communities across the Lower Hudson Valley," said Congresswoman Lowey. "In all cases, but especially during a pandemic, it is absolutely critical that our first responders get the equipment they need to protect themselves and help others. I am grateful that our firefighters are receiving resources to not only keep themselves safe, but also continue to ensure the health and safety of the public."

"Piermont is a small village that relies on a 100% volunteer Fire Department & EMS service. It has been challenging to manage the additional COVID protocols on regular calls as well as the volume of COVID calls, while keeping our residents as safe as possible," said Mayor Bruce Tucker of the Village of Piermont. "Piermonters take care of each other, and the small supply of PPE that we had on hand went quickly while this crisis unfolded, as we distributed it to at risk residents and essential employees in the village, as well as used on emergency response calls. Securing appropriate PPE and sanitizing supplies has created an enormous unforeseen expense, and without this support, we might not be able to provide the safest level of care for our residents, and safest conditions for our First Responders throughout this crisis."

As Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Lowey led the House in negotiations with Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration to secure this funding in addition to tens of billions in federal assistance that will protect New York families, keep small businesses afloat, and stem the spread of COVID-19 so the Lower Hudson Valley can fully recover as quickly as possible.

Read this original document at: https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-announces-more-72000-piermont-fire-department-respond-covid-19