SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $89,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR NORWICH FIRE DEPARMENT IN CHENANGO COUNTY

Federal Funding For Norwich Fire Department Will Be Used To Purchase New Vehicle Exhaust Extraction System

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $ 89,524 in federal funding for the Norwich Fire Department in Chenango County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The federal funding will allow the Norwich Fire Department to purchase a new vehicle exhaust extraction system.

“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.”                                       

“We applied for the AFG grant because we have firefighters that live at the station during their 24 hours shifts, our station is regularly used by the community, and there is the potential for Norwich City offices to move into the fire-station building. It is critical that we are able to expel vehicle exhaust outside the building so that we have a safe environment for everyone in and around the fire station. As such, we are excited to have received this grant so we can proceed with such a critical health and safety project,” said City of Norwich Fire Department Fire Chief Tracey Chawgo.

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.

Senator Gillibrand’s letter to FEMA included here.

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