Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that she helped secure $250,000 for the Depew Fire Department in the 2018-19 state budget.

“Depew firefighters risk their lives every day for our community and it’s our duty to make sure they have the equipment they need to protect themselves. I made sure that these brave first responders received the funding they deserve in this year’s budget,” said Assemblymember Wallace.

The Depew Fire Department’s fire-safety equipment is set to expire next year, which places a costly burden on village residents. Fire equipment replacements can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, while the Depew Fire Department’s annual budget is only $200,000. This funding will help replace 52 air tanks and masks for Depew firefighters. The breathing equipment is 12-years-old and three National Fire Protection Association standards behind the new editions.

“Fiscal restraints make it increasingly difficult to adequately fund fire departments, but proper state funding can alleviate the tax burden that villages and local fire departments face,” noted Wallace

Wallace currently serves as the chair on the Assembly Subcommittee on Volunteer Emergency Services and has been a strong advocate for volunteer firefighters and first responders.