Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: ***NEWS RELEASE***: CITY OF YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT (YFD) RECEIVES FEMA GRANT FOR OPERATION AND SAFETY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CITY OF YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT (YFD) RECEIVES FEMA GRANT FOR OPERATION AND SAFETY.

 

Over $800,000 Granted to YFD Earmarked for Specialized Training.

 

Yonkers, NY – July 31, 2024 – Mayor Mike Spano today announced the City of Yonkers Fire Department has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Operations and Safety programs. The City of Yonkers procured $807,545 -- the most of any Westchester municipality.

“Thank you to FEMA for recognizing the needs of the Yonkers Fire Department,” said Mayor Spano. “This grant will support critical training needs to protect our Firefighters and remain up to date on all aspects of fire service and fire-related hazards.”

“This is tremendously important for firefighter safety and accountability,” said City of Yonkers Fire Department Commissioner William Fitzpatrick. “The funding allows us to continue strengthening the City of Yonkers Fire Department and keep a firm foundation with consistent training that will safeguard all our firefighters, and ultimately our residents.” 

Fitzpatrick says the money will be used toward training all department members in the latest Firefighter Assist Search Team (FAST) operations. These specialized rapid intervention teams consist of seasoned firefighters trained in distinct rescue techniques with the ability to access, locate, stabilize, and remove firefighters in extreme situations.