Congressman Tim Kennedy Announces Completion of Grant to Replace Aging Radio System and Purchase Fire Suppression Systems for Volunteer Fire Departments

Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) joined members of the Doyle Fire District to announce the completion of a grant to replace the district's 20+ year-old radios with a new state-of-the-art system, as well as the purchase of two fire suppression systems designed for use on electric car battery fires. The $240,000 grant was secured by Kennedy during his time in the New York State Senate and has now been fully executed. This investment will ensure that Doyle firefighters can stay in constant contact in the midst of an emergency and have the necessary equipment to safely extinguish battery fires.

Key Takeaways:

• The grant to replace the aging radio system and purchase fire suppression systems was secured by Congressman Tim Kennedy during his time in the New York State Senate and has now been fully executed.
• The new radio system will complement upgrades to the Town of Cheektowaga's dispatch system, previously funded by Kennedy, ensuring that Doyle firefighters can stay in constant contact in the midst of an emergency.
• The fire suppression systems, designed for use on electric car battery fires, will be made available to all other Cheektowaga fire companies, providing a safe method for volunteer firefighters to extinguish battery fires.
• Congressman Kennedy commended the volunteer firefighters of the Doyle Fire District for their selfless service and ensured that they have the necessary resources to stay safe.
• Doyle Chief Donald Szumigala emphasized the importance of having special equipment to deal with electric car battery fires, and the grant will provide Doyle firefighters with the necessary tools to stay safe.
• Doyle Chief Matthew Burdzy thanked Congressman Kennedy for his work to protect those who keep their community safe and highlighted the importance of staying in constant communication with volunteer firefighters during emergencies.
• Senator April N.M. Baskin commended Congressman Kennedy's previous work in securing critical funding for the fire district and pledged to follow his footsteps in supporting volunteers who serve their communities.

Statistics:

• $240,000 grant secured by Congressman Tim Kennedy to replace aging radio system and purchase fire suppression systems.
• 20+ year-old radios that were being replaced as part of the grant.
• $500,000 grant secured by Kennedy in 2020 for an Emergency Communications Radio System in the Town of Cheektowaga.
• 1904: The founding year of Doyle Hose Company #1, a volunteer fire department that serves the residents of the Doyle Fire District.
• 1924: The founding year of Doyle Hose Company #2, a modern volunteer fire department that evolved from a simple hose cart.
• Over a century: The amount of time Doyle Hose Company #1 has provided essential fire protection, emergency response, and community service.

Sources:

• Congressman Tim Kennedy's news release.
• Interview with Senator April N.M. Baskin.
• Doyle Hose Company #1 and #2 websites.
• Town of Cheektowaga's dispatch system upgrade funding.
• Kennedy's previous work in the New York State Senate securing funding for local governments, agencies, and nonprofit organizations.