N.Y. State Fire Departments to Receive $3.5M in Federal Funds

(TNS) — U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced over $3 million in federal funding for New York State fire departments.

$3,558,183.01 will be allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. It will be used to provide protective gear, training, and supplies to emergency personnel.

“From Lockport to Waterford, our brave firefighters are always on the front lines risking their lives to protect our communities,” said Schumer in a news release. “These courageous first responders deserve all the federal support possible to ensure they have the adequate training, protective gear, and equipment they need to keep themselves and New Yorkers across the state safe.

“I’ve fought my whole career to deliver resources for New York’s firefighters, and today’s over $3.5 million will keep New York’s dedicated firefighters prepared to take on any emergency.”

“New York’s firefighters work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” said Gillibrand in the release. “This federal funding will provide New York’s firefighters with the essential training, equipment and supplies they need to respond to emergency situations safely and efficiently. I will continue to fight to ensure New York’s fire departments are well-equipped to protect our communities and save lives.”

The AFG and SAFER grant programs are administered by FEMA to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to purchase essential equipment and help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need.

Among the 33 fire departments receiving funding are the following Capital Region locations:

—Village of Ballston Spa Fire Department (Ballston Spa), receiving $64,188.57

—Hoosic Valley Rescue Squad Inc (Schaghticoke), receiving $156,421.37

—Waterford Rescue Squad Inc (Waterford), receiving $36,632.38

—Halfmoon-Waterford Fire District No. 1 (Waterford), receiving $309,000.00

—David Nevins Fire Co (Victory Mills), receiving $144,761.90

—Putnam Volunteer Fire Co No 1 Inc (Putnam Station), receiving $22,857.14

—Hilltop Volunteer Fire Co (Dolgeville), receiving $100,000.00

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