WASHINGTON - Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) Wednesday announced that East Aurora Fire Control will receive $493,518 in federal Homeland Security funding in the twenty third round of Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program awards for fiscal year 2008.  Funds will be used to upgrade communications equipment at six fire departments that are part of East Aurora Fire Control: the East Aurora Fire Department, Elma Fire Company, South Wales Fire Company, Wales Center Fire Company, West Falls Fire Company, and Holland Fire Company.  

“These funds represent a major step forward for this region, “said Craig Thrasher, East Aurora Fire Department Information Officer. “This will give the six fire departments within East Aurora Fire Control state-of-the-art communications interoperability, allowing us to communicate reliably, rapidly and instantaneously with local public safety officials and law enforcement agencies in the event of a major emergency. This is the same technology that allowed the 60 agencies involved in the flight 3407 crash to communicate effectively.”  

The fire departments were awarded this grant under the AFGP Operations and Safety Program which makes funds available for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to station and facilities.