Reynolds Delivers Over $400,000 for The Barnard Fire District To Hire Firefighters Barnard -

Today, Representative Thomas M. Reynolds (Clarence) delivered the Barnard Fire District $421,700 through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistance to Firefighter Grants Program - Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Award. The Barnard Fire District will be able to hire 4 new firefighters with this funding.

"I am pleased to deliver the Barnard Fire District this funding that will enhance the personnel that the fire district needs to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently," said Reynolds. "These additional firefighters will mean more lives saved, more fires successfully fought and safer communities."

The SAFER program provides funding directly to fire departments in order to help them increase the number of trained, front-line firefighters. SAFER provides 5-year grants to assist fire departments in paying a portion of the salaries of newly hired firefighters. As a result of the enhanced staffing, response times should be significantly reduced with an appropriate number of personnel assembled at the incident scene.

Reynolds sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security in support of the Barnard Fire District: In which he wrote:
"The Barnard Fire District is committed to providing efficient and effective fire services. However, their lack of funding has left their emergency service capabilities understaffed. In addition, they are unable to cope with the regions increased mutual requests and an aging population. Fire and emergency call volumes are also increasing dramatically. Thus, the funding will help the Barnard Fire District to improve their ability to meet the needs of their population."

"The Barnard Fire District would like to thank FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security for granting our request for SAFER monies that will primarily benefit the residents of the Barnard Fire District as well as the residents of the Town of Greece," said Barnard Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioner Norm Gerhard II. "The receiving of this Grant allows the Barnard Fire District to improve upon its level of response to calls for service to its 25,000 residents and that of neighboring fire districts without the financial impact burdening its constituents."
"This funding not only helps ensure t

he safety of Greece residents but also helps the economy by creating jobs right here in Western New York," concluded Reynolds. "Firefighters and first responders can rest assured that I will continue fighting on their behalf to ensure they have the personnel and resources they need to keep our community safe."