NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Niagara Falls Fire Department plans to purchase 36 new breathing apparatuses for its firefighters thanks to a federal grant worth more than $314,000.
The grant was funded by the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters program.
"This couldn't come at a better time," Fire Chief Joe Pedulla said. "70 of our air bottles are expiring at the end of this month and have to be taken out of service. Just (Thursday), I received 50 air bottles from a neighboring department in Lancaster to use just to get us through until we get new supplies."
The fire department will also use the grant to purchase a new air filling station which broke down at the end of 2020. Pedulla said they've consistently had to refill their air bottles in North Tonawanda whenever there was a massive fire because they couldn't fill them in-house.
Pedulla said the new breathing apparatuses will last firefighters "for years to come."
"The bottles have an expiration date of 15 years," Pedulla said. "The air packs, they don't have an expiration date but we can no longer get parts to replace worn parts."
Congressman Brian Higgins joined fire officials in Friday's grant announcement.
"Only about 2,000 awards will be issued this year to nearly 30,000 eligible fire departments nationwide," Higgins said. "The federal grant fills a great need to ensure Niagara Falls firefighters are protected and have the tools necessary to serve the city's residents, businesses, and visitors."
