SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $650K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THREE FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
Federal Funding For Victory, Brewerton, and the City of Rome Fire Departments Will Be Used to Supplement Funding for Regional Projects, Improve Operations and Safety Infrastructure, and Purchase New Safety Equipment
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced a total of $652,194 in federal funding for three fire departments in Central New York. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). Specifically, the Victory Fire Department will receive $119, 524 to fund regional projects in which multiple fire departments and other organizations are involved. The Brewerton Fire Department will receive $231,715 to improve operations and safety infrastructure, including with respect to professional training as well as to purchase programs and personal protective equipment. The City of Rome Fire Department will receive $300, 955 to purchase 78 new sets of fire protection gear to prevent the risk of cancer.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense for safety and security—it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”
“These federal funds will allow our first responders to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect our first responders when they risk their lives, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure they are given the support they deserve.”
“On behalf of the City of Rome and the Rome Fire Department, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for securing $300,955 in Round 6 of the 2016 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. This grant will provide 78 sets of firefighting turnout gear as well as a Washer Extractor and Dryer to maintain the new turnout gear for years to come. While representing a significant savings to the City of Rome taxpayers, this equipment will protect our firefighters who are constantly exposed to hazardous environments, and most importantly keep them safe in very dangerous conditions,” said Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo.
“The Rome Fire Department is pleased to accept this $300,955 award from FEMA for new personal protective equipment (PPE). The award will allow us to purchase 78 sets of turnout gear and a turnout gear washer and dryer. This award will ensure that all of our members have up to date PPE that is NFPA compliant. Turnout gear is used by our members at every incident and training drill; having a new cleaning station in house will allow our members the ability to decontaminate their PPE as needed. We would like to thank Senator Schumer for his support of our application that will ensure the safety of our members.” Said Ronald Brement, Fire Chief.
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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