SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $38,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR NEW LONDON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT IN ONEIDA COUNTY

Federal Funding Will Be Used to Purchase A New Set Of Jaws Of Life

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $38,388 in federal funding for New London Volunteer Fire Department in Oneida County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The New London Volunteer Fire Department will use the funding to purchase a new set of jaws of life – used to cut through the car to remove people trapped inside– they currently have two sets, one from the 1940s and the other set is so old there are no replacement parts available if it were to break.

“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.”

“We are very excited to be a recipient of the AFG program. As a small fire department, it would take us years to save up enough money to buy new equipment. Last year, we received a grant  to replace our airpacks, which would have costed us more than our entire operating budget for the year. This program is tremendous for all fire departments across the U.S. and I hope it continues to be funded,” Gene Carey, 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.

###