SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $600,000 FEDERAL FIRE GRANT COMING TO JOHNSTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Nearly $6.8 Million Will Go to 47 Emergency Response Programs in NYS as Part of U.S. Department Of Homeland Security's Firefighters Grants Program
Schumer Has Continually Pushed for Funding to Assist Fire Departments and First Responders
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Johnstown Fire Department will receive a $617,500 grant from the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This grant is designed to strengthen the response programs of fire departments throughout the country. This grant will be used towards the acquisition of a vehicle.
"This federal money will help first responders in Johnstown get the resources they need to keep our communities safe," Schumer said. "We can never thank our firefighters enough for their heroic efforts, but we can guarantee them the training, equipment and resources they need to do their job well."
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 $617,500 grant for the Johnstown Fire Department is part of round 20 of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant 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/ .
