SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $130K IN FED FUNDS FOR TOWN OF SENNETT FIRE DEPARTMENT

Funding Will Be Used To Expand Recruitment And Support Retention 

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $130,120 in federal funding for the Sennett Fire Department. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. This funding will allow the Sennett Fire Department to expand its emergency services capabilities and to retain its current 26 volunteer firefighters.

“Whether it’s a fire, flood, car accident, or when disaster strikes, we depend on these local heroes to keep us safe, and they depend on us to give them the resources they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding will allow Sennett Fire Department to retain and grow its ranks and will help ensure that the Sennett Fire Department can respond to any situation quickly and efficiently. I’m proud to announce this grant and will continue working to make sure New York’s first responders have what they need.”

“These federal funds will help provide our firefighters in Cayuga County with the funding they need to bring on additional first responders and help keep our communities safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am very pleased that this funding was awarded to the Sennett Fire Department, and I will continue to fight in the Senate to make sure more of our local fire departments have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.” 

“This grant award will give the department some help addressing a problem that is plaguing volunteer fire departments like ours all over the country, the lack of firefighters,” said Chief Bill Haynes.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 

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