SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $50,000 IN FIRE GRANTS COMING TO THREE FIRE DEPARMENTS IN FINGER LAKES AREA

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that a total of $54,321 in fire grants have been given to the three fire departments in the Rochester Finger Lakes area through the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and the AFG Fire Prevention and Safety Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  $18,050 will be given to the Dansville Fire Department and $6,802 will go to the Victor Fire Department for fire prevention and safety while $29,469 will go to the Bellona Volunteer Fire Company for operations and safety.

"It is critical that we continue to invest in fire prevention and safety efforts to keep our communities safe," said Schumer. "Providing these three fire departments with these funds will ensure our firefighters have the best resources to fight and prevent fires. I have consistently fought to support our fire departments through these grant programs and I will continue to do so in the future."

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 across the country to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles.

The grants for $54,469 are part of Round 1 of the of the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Fire Prevention and Safety Program and Round 40 of the AFG Program announcements.

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/ .