SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEARLY $45,000 FEDERAL FIRE GRANT TO WESTVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Over $1 Million Will Go to Emergency Response Programs in NYS as Part of U.S. Department Of Homeland Security's Firefighters Grants Program
Schumer Has Continually Pushed for Funding to Assist Fire Departments and First Responders
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Westville Volunteer Fire Department in Franklin County will receive a $44,369 grant from the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This grant is designed to strengthen the response programs of fire departments throughout the country. This grant will be used towards the acquisition of muchneeded equipment.
"This funding will go a long way in supporting the Westville Volunteer Fire Department," said Schumer. "We can never truly repay our firefighters and first responders for their heroic efforts , but we can ensure that they have the proper training, equipment and resources they need to do their job well. This federal grant will help make sure that our firefighters have the resources they need to keep themselves and our communities safe."
Schumer was among the first senators who recognized the need for the federal government to establish a funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of equipment and fire prevention. Since 2004, with the Fiscal Year 2008 awards, AFG has provided a total of almost $2.75 billion to firstresponder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) provides funding to local fire departments to help them improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security 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. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/ .
