SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEARLY $70,000 FEDERAL FIRE GRANT TO CORINTH EMERGENCY SQUAD

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Corinth Emergency Squad, Inc. in Saratoga County will receive a $69,787 grant from the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This grant is part of round 12 of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, designed to strengthen the response programs of fire departments throughout the country. This grant will be used towards the acquisition of muchneeded equipment. 

 

"This is a great day for the Corinth Fire Department," said Schumer. "Our first responders must be well trained and well equipped to deal with any problem that comes their way. This federal grant will help make sure that our firefighters have the money they need to do their jobs. I will continue to fight for these funds so that our firemen have access to the resources they need to keep our communities safe from harm."

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.

 

For Fiscal Year 2008, Congress has authorized $500 million in competitive grants to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations.

 

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/ .