GUILDERLAND — The Western Turnpike Rescue Squad has received a federal grant to be used for purchasing protective equipment.

Drew Chesney, executive director of the squad, said he requested a grant for $24,812, and, according to a press release from Congressman Paul Tonko’s office, the squad was awarded $23,193.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the United States Fire Administration.

The Western Turnpike Rescue Squad is a basic life support ambulance service and provides round-the-clock emergency transportation to local hospitals. It primarily serves McKownville, Westmere, Guilderland, and Fort Hunter fire districts, an area with a population of 37,000 permanent residents.

Chesney said the money would be used to buy extrication coats, pants, gloves, and helmets, to “protect our members at the roughly 200 motor vehicle accident and extrication incidents we run each year.”

Right now, said Chesney, members do not have the proper personal protective equipment needed to assist with patient care and extrication at the scene of accidents.

The Occupational Health and Administration agency suggests that employers provide workers with the minimum equipment to protect against “reasonably anticipated worst case scenarios, including catastrophic or terrorist incidents.”

“The Capital Region’s first responders put themselves at risk to protect others during times of emergency,” said Tonko, in his release. “It is critical that these brave men and women have access to modern equipment and top-grade facilities.”