SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $35K IN FED FUNDING FOR TERRY’S CORNERS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY IN NIAGARA COUNTY
Federal Funding For Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company Will Be Used To Improve Recruitment & Retention of Firefighters
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $35,764 in federal funding for the Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company in Niagara County. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. These funds will allow the Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company to improve recruitment and retention of firefighters by advertising a development and rewards program for members through a digital sign in front of the fire hall. Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company currently has 15 active volunteers.
“These essential federal funds will provide the Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company with the assistance it needs to attract and retain top volunteer firefighter talent,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are local heroes and primary line of defense in emergencies. They put their lives on the line every day to protect our residents, property, and community. That’s why they deserve the adequate number of staff in order to do their jobs to the best of their ability, and keep our community safe. It is vital that we provide them the support they need, and I am proud to fight for funding that supports our first responders.”
“These federal funds will help prepare our firefighters in Western New York when they risk their lives, go into harm’s way, and rescue people from deadly fires,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am very pleased that this funding was awarded to the Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company, 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 effectively.”
“Recruitment and retention in the volunteer services these days is our largest issue, especially for a small rural department. This grant will go a long way in terms of helping us increase our membership and keeping the members that we have,” said Bill Fisher, Fire Chief.
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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