SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $270K IN FED FUNDS FOR CENTRAL NEW YORK REGION FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN CAYUGA, CORTLAND AND ONEIDA COUNTIES
Funding Will Be Used To Purchase New Equipment To Protect Firefighters & Keep Uniforms Clean For Reuse
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $272,022 in federal funding for four fire departments throughout the Central New York region. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Fleming Volunteer Fire Department #1 in Cayuga County will receive $13,681 in funding to purchase a new washer and dryer to keep protective turnout gear clean. The Cincinnatus Fire Department Fire Department, located in Cortland County, will receive $23,429 to replace old nozzles and fire hoses. The New London Fire Department, located in Oneida County, will receive $91,448 to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air packs and cascade systems to replace their current, 20- to 30-year-old systems. The Stanwix Heights Fire Department, also located in Oneida, will receive $143,464 to buy new backpacks, air tanks and outfits for firefighters.
“It is critical that we provide our local fire departments with the most up-to-date equipment they need to keep our citizens safe and do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide them with the resources and cutting-edge tools they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”
“These federal funds will allow our fire departments to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“This new equipment will help the department clean our turnout gear so it is safe for reuse. We thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support for this funding,” said John Sheftic, President of the Fleming Volunteer Fire Department.
“This grant will help us replace nozzles and fire hoses that the department greatly needs. We thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support for this funding,” said Shawn Scoville, a member of the Cincinnatus Fire Department Fire Advisory Board.
“Since our current equipment was made in the 1980’s and 1990’s, new airpacks and cascade systems are greatly needed. We appreciate support from Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for helping deliver these funds,” said Gene Carey, Deputy Chief of the New London Volunteer Fire Department.
“We are ecstatic about receiving this grant to purchase new equipment. We would like to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for helping us secure these funds,” said Steven Snow, Stanwix Heights Fire Department’s Fire Chief.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need. Funding is allocated to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.
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