SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $52K IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE NEW HAMPTON FIRE DISTRICT IN ORANGE COUNTY
Funding Will Be Used To Purchase New Protective Equipment For Firefighters
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $52,334 in federal funding for the New Hampton Fire District in Orange County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the New Hampton Fire District will use the federal funding to purchase a new compressor system to fill Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs for firefighters. The New Hampton Fire District is a volunteer fire department with approximately 30 active members.
“It is critical that we provide our local fire departments with the most up-to-date equipment they need to keep our citizens safe and do their jobs effectively,” 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 cutting-edge tools they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”
“These federal funds will help protect our firefighters in New Hampton 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 New Hampton Fire District, 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 safely.”
“The Fire Commissioners, Officers and members of the New Hampton Fire District are excited to partner with Senator Schumer in the announcement of this award. We try very hard to be responsible custodians of the taxpayers’ money, and the equipment we will be able to purchase as a result of this grant will take a huge burden off of the taxpayer. This grant will help us keep fire protection taxes as low as possible while continuing to train with modern, up to date equipment and allowing us to provide the best fire protection we can to the citizens and businesses of the New Hampton Fire District,” said Terence Reynolds, Assistant Chief of the New Hampton Fire District.
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/
###
