SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $350K IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR TWO CENTRAL NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Funding Will Be Used To Purchase New Emergency and Protective Equipment For Firefighters

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $355,715 in federal funding for two fire departments in the Central New York. The funding was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Village of DeRuyter Fire Department in Madison County will receive $35,143 in funding to purchase a new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air pack compressor unit. The Village of East Syracuse Fire Department in Onondaga County will receive $320,572 to upgrade its air replacement tanks.

“With this funding, our Central New York firefighters can focus on their critical, life-saving work knowing they have new and reliable protective equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide them with the resources and up-to-date tools they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”

“These federal funds will allow our fire departments 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.”

“We are very appreciative of the Assistance to Firefighters grant program. Because of this award, we are able to better serve our community at the highest standard,” said Derek Sinesi, Vice President of the Village of DeRuyter Fire Department.

“We are extremely happy to be awarded this grant which allows us to put safety first for our members, and presents an opportunity for us to provide a safer environment for our community,” said Robert T. Tackman, Mayor of East Syracuse.

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. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.

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