SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $21K IN FED FUNDS FOR SCHUYLER AMBULANCE, INC. IN ONEIDA COUNTY

Schuyler Ambulance, Inc. in Utica Will Use Funding To Purchase New Turnout Gear to Protect Firefighters  

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $21,486 in federal funding for Schuyler Ambulance, Inc., located in Utica in Oneida County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program’s (AFG) Fire Prevention & Safety Program (FP&S) and will be used to purchase new turnout gear. Turnout gear typically includes coats, pants, boots, gloves, helmets and hood for interior firefighting. The cost of fitting one person for firefighting turnout gear is roughly $2,500, making it very expensive for many local fire departments to afford. With this funding, Schuyler Ambulance, Inc. will now be able to outfit 15 of its active members with this protective gear.

“These much-needed funds will allow the Schuyler Ambulance, Inc. in Utica to invest in the protective equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and save lives,” said Senator Schumer. “Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our fire departments have the resources they need will continue to be a top priority of mine. These funds will allow our local heroes to continue their important work of keeping the community safe.”

“We must ensure that our first responders who put themselves in harm’s way have the most up-to-date equipment they need to help save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Schuyler Ambulance will use this funding to purchase essential equipment that will help keep them safe as they do their job protecting our community.”

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/firegrants.

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