Keeping Our First Responders Safe: Kennedy Announces Completion Of State Grant For Doyle Fire District To Purchase New Radios And Technology To Extinguish Electric Car Battery[...]

$240,000 Grant Secured By Kennedy During His Time In The New York State Senate Will Benefit Doyle #1 and #2 And All Other Cheektowaga Volunteer Fire Departments in Suppressing Battery Fires

Grant From Kennedy Replaces Radios That Are 20+ Years Old And Reached End Of Their Repairable Lifespan

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) was joined by members of Doyle Fire District to announce the completion of a grant to replace the company's 20+ year-old radios with a new state-of-the-art system, along with the purchase of two fire suppression systems designed for use on electric car battery fires. The fire suppression systems will be made available to all other Cheektowaga fire companies as well, providing a safe method for volunteer firefighters to extinguish 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. The radio system, which is complemented by upgrades to the Town of Cheektowaga's dispatch system previously funded by Kennedy, will ensure that Doyle firefighters can stay in constant contact in the midst of an emergency.

"Our volunteer firefighters selflessly put their lives on the line every day for their communities," said Congressman Kennedy. "It's critical that, as they have our backs, we have theirs. I was proud to secure this funding to keep our firefighters safe and connected with their colleagues. Volunteerism is among the highest of American ideals - as a community, it's vital that we provide the resources our volunteer firefighters need to get the job done and, most importantly, come home safe to their families. Thank you to every member of Doyle Fire District and all volunteer firefighters for all that you do."

"Electric car battery fires pose a unique challenge for firefighters, and they require special equipment," said Doyle #1 Chief Donald Szumigala. "Our volunteer firefighters in Cheektowaga need to be prepared for every scenario they may encounter. With the support of Congressman Kennedy, firefighters here in Cheektowaga can now rest assured that they can safely and efficiently deal with these events."

"Our radios were more than two decades old and were at the end of their repairable lifetimes," said Doyle #2 Chief Matthew Burdzy. "When volunteer firefighters run into danger, it is crucial we stay in constant communication with them throughout the entire process, helping to make sure that they can save lives and property while keeping themselves safe. On behalf of the members of the Doyle Fire District, thank you to Congressman Kennedy for his work to protect those who keep our community safe."

"I commend Congressman Kennedy for his previous work in securing significant funding when he served in the State Senate and his continued advocacy as he works for us now in Washington, D.C.," said Senator April N.M. Baskin. "The radios and suppression systems are critical pieces of equipment that will help ensure that Doyle firefighters benefit from safety and operational effectiveness. As Congressman Kennedy's successor in Senate District 63, I'm proud to follow in his footsteps and sponsor legislation calling for tax credit relief to the firefighters and emergency personnel who respond to our neighbors in need. My thanks to the men and women who selflessly serve and keep our communities safe."

Kennedy served in the New York State Senate from 2011 through 2024, when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. During his tenure in the State Senate, Kennedy secured millions of dollars for local governments, agencies, and nonprofit organizations to make critical capital infrastructure upgrades. For years, first responders in the Town of Cheektowaga have relied on aging telecommunications systems, which often had weak signals in certain neighborhoods due to outdated radio infrastructure. In 2020, Kennedy secured $500,000 for an Emergency Communications Radio System that allowed the Town's first responders to better communicate during emergencies.

Founded in 1904, Doyle Hose Company #1 is a volunteer fire department that has served the residents of the Doyle Fire District for over a century. The firehouse is located at 2199 William Street, in the southwest corner of the Town of Cheektowaga, New York. Founded later on in 1924 by local taxpayers, Doyle Hose Company #2 evolved from a simple hose cart into a modern volunteer fire department. For over a century, the volunteer company has provided essential fire protection, emergency response, and community service. Doyle Hose Company #2 is located at 100 Willowlawn Parkway, Cheektowaga, New York. Both Companies are members of the Doyle Fire District.

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