SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $14K IN FED FUNDS FOR SCOTIA FIRE DEPARTMENT IN SCHENECTADY COUNTY
Funding Will Be Used To Purchase New Equipment to Keep Firefighters Safe
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $14,286 in federal funding for the Scotia Fire Department in Schenectady County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, this funding will be used to purchase personal protective turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air packs. The Scotia Fire Department currently consists of 12 career firefighters and 16 volunteer firefighters.
“With this funding, the first responders of the Scotia Fire District can focus on their important work knowing they have new, reliable and protective equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as effectively and safely as possible.”
“This federal funding will allow the Scotia Fire Department to purchase the most up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and safely when responding to emergencies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“Firefighters are faced with many hazards in the course of performing their duties. These hazards multiply with each passing day and do not discriminate. We have a duty and responsibility to provide our firefighters with the appropriate up to date gear, equipment and training,” said Kenneth Almy, Chief of the Scotia Fire Department.
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/
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