SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $300K IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR 3 SOUTHERN TIER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Fire Depts. In Steuben, Broome & Allegany Counties Will Use Funding to Purchase Critical Equipment To Keep Firefighters Safe
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $308,740 in federal funding for three fire departments in the Southern Tier. This federal funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Savona Fire Department in Steuben County will receive $70,111 to purchase new protective turnout gear. The Johnson City Fire Department in Broome County will use $170,667 in federal funding purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air packs. Finally, the New Hudson Fire Company in Allegany County will use its $67,962 in federal funding to purchase new protective turnout gear.
“This vital funding will provide our firefighters in the Southern Tier with the equipment necessary to safely do their jobs to the utmost of their ability,” said Senator Schumer. “Our communities’ first line of defense is our firefighters. They put their lives on the line each day, which is why we owe them all of the resources they need to continue their life-saving work.”
“These federal funds will allow our firefighters in the Southern Tier to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting our communities,” 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.”
“Since the inception of the AFG program this will be our 3rdgrant, without the assistance of the program we would not be able to provide new breathing packs and turnout gear for our department,” said Steve Beebe, Chief of the Savona Fire Department. “We are very glad to receive this funding as it will put our members in the safest and best turnout gear available. Our members are our greatest asset and we have to do all we can to protect them.”
“This award is great news. The Village has been struggling to keep taxes low for the residents, and this will help immensely by replacing our departments Air-Pak’s whose service life is ending and have to be replaced. Myself and the firefighters worked hard on these grants and are very pleased with the outcome. We appreciate all the support from Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Hanna,” saidRob Jacyna, Chief of the Johnson City Fire Department.
“I appreciate this grant for our fire department, and the support of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand. This funding will help our department moving forward and keep our firefighters safe,” said Greg Deemie, Mayor, Village of Johnson City.
“These funds are very much needed and very much appreciated. The AFG program goes a long way in helping small departments like ours,” said Ricky White Jr., Chief of the New Hudson Fire Company.
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. Funding is allocated to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.
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