SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEW HOPE FIRE DEPARMENT WILL RECEIVE OVER $30,000 IN FEDERAL FIRE GRANTS FOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Goal Is to Enhance First Responders' Ability to Protect the Health And Safety of the Public In Cayuga County
Schumer Says Funds Will Help The Fire Department Pay for Improvements During Difficult Fiscal Times
Schumer Has Successfully Pushed for Additional Funding for Assistance to Fire Departments and First Responders
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that New Hope Fire Department has received federal grants totaling $31,350 as part of Round 5 of the FY09 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding will be used for the operations and safety for Cayuga County.
"I am proud to announce that the federal government has extended this helping hand to the New Hope Fire Department," said Schumer. "These are fine men and women who risk it all to keep their communities safe. Every last bit of help we can give is well deserved, and I will do my best to keep grant money like this coming."
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. The Operations and Firefighter Safety Program funds can go towards training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists local fire departments in programs and activities to 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.
