SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $181,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR CITY OF OGDENSBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT IN ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY

Federal Funding Will Be Used to Purchase New Safety Equipment

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $181,334 in federal funding for Ogdensburg Fire Department in St. Lawrence County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The City of Ogdensburg Fire Department will use the funding to purchase 28 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air packs units and 56 air bottles.

“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense for safety and security—it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”

“These federal funds will allow first responders at the Ogdensburg Fire Department to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Every day our first responders risk their lives to protect us, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure our local fire departments have the support they need to keep their communities safe.”

“This 2016 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Funding will give my department the capability of purchasing and replacing outdated Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for each and every member of the department.  This critical life-saving equipment will not only protect these dedicated firefighters on the job but will also minimize the loss of lives and property for the citizens, workers and the visitors in the Ogdensburg Community," Michael Farrell, 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.  More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.

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