OWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – The Arlington Fire District has been notified by FEMA that they have been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $67,313.80, under the Assistance to Firefighters grant program, according to District Fire Chief William Steenbergh. The program is part of the COVID-19 Federal CARES Act.
These grant funds will be used for the reimbursement and future purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for 1st responders, and for disinfecting/sterilization supplies and equipment. PPE covered by the grant includes N95 masks, medical gloves, disposable coveralls, face shields, and other devices worn by responders.
Chief Steenbergh said “Being able to keep our Paramedics and EMTs safe, while providing the highest possible levels of emergency medical care to the community goes directly to the core of our mission. We typically treat in excess of 500 patients every month in Arlington. At the height of the pandemic in Dutchess County, 1/3 of our patients were either exhibiting symptoms of COVID, or were already known to be positive for the virus.”
Steenbergh added “Back in March, we instituted a stringent program for disinfecting and sterilizing our fire stations and apparatus. That program continues today and will continue into the future.” The cost of supplies has increased dramatically as a result of the pandemic. “N95 masks, which cost 65 cents prior to the pandemic, are now more than $4.50 each if you can even find them to purchase. The quantities of PPE and cleaning supplies that we are using in order to protect our members and the community far exceed our budgets,” said Steenbergh.
The leader of Arlington’s department said that the grant will provide reimbursement for many of the unanticipated expenses associate with the pandemic while allowing the department to purchase supplies in preparation for the future. Steenbergh We are most grateful to FEMA for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, and for selecting our application for funding.”