Brzozowski: “With this new equipment, we anticipate improved outcomes for both patients and responders”
The Hornell Fire Department has been awarded $110,979.42 as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) grant program, with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand announcing a total of $1.22 million in awards for New York State.
Fire Chief Frank Brzozowski is grateful for the funds, emphasizing their significance in addressing the department’s needs. “We are appreciative to FEMA, Senator Schumer, and Senator Gillibrand for their support. When we applied for the FEMA grant, our focus was to replace the older Jaws-of-Life equipment on our rescue truck. With this new equipment, we anticipate improved outcomes for both patients and responders,” Chief Brzozowski explained.
The grant will encompass an upgrade of the rescue equipment, including enhanced cutters, spreaders, airbags, rescue jacks and struts, and rams. Chief Brzozowski highlighted the notable benefits of the new equipment, stating, “The airbags, jacks and struts will help us to stabilize a scene, while improvements to the cutters and spreaders will allow quicker access and enable us to provide a faster rescue. One of the biggest improvements is portability, as this equipment is battery powered and removes the distance limitations we previously faced. These advancements will not only enhance our service, but also safeguard our dedicated responders.”
Mayor John Buckley echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of investing in public safety for the benefit of the community. “We are immensely grateful to our federal partners for their investment in our rescue equipment. In critical situations, every moment counts, and this funding will undoubtedly enhance safety, performance, and overall outcomes. We truly appreciate this support,” Mayor Buckley stated.
While the equipment will primarily be used for motor vehicle accidents, its durability and portability make it extremely useful in many different scenarios. “We want to be prepared to respond to any accident, and with the City’s growing rail industry, the increased power of our new rescue equipment will enable us to effectively stabilize and respond to rail incidents as well as motor vehicle accidents,” Chief Brzozowski explained.
The City of Hornell anticipates receiving the new equipment as early as Fall 2023.
