SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $24K IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR GREENE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN CHENANGO COUNTY
Federal Funding Will Be Used To Modernize Turnout Gear For Overall Protection From Hazards And Carcinogens
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $24,762 in federal funding for the Greene Volunteer Fire Department in Chenango County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funding will be used to modernize the Fire Department’s turnout gear for overall better protection from hazards, carcinogens, and other harmful materials, crucial to the health and safety of New York’s firefighters.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” 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.”
“Every day, our first responders are exposed to dangerous conditions as they risk their lives to protect their communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will allow the Greene Volunteer Fire Department to purchase equipment that will help keep our firefighters safe, and I will always fight to make sure that our local fire departments have the resources they need to safely and efficiently respond to emergencies in their community.”
“This grant will provide our firefighters increased measures of safety, and health protection. Replacing our current turnout gear allows us to have the latest technology in personal protection during the course of our duties, and will allow us to continue to provide efficient emergency services to the residents of our community. Knowing firefighters having a greater diagnosis rate of certain types of cancers, this grant will give our firefighters personal protective equipment that will provide increased protection from those carcinogens and other contaminants.” said Greene Fire Chief Rick Woerter
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is 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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