SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $138K FOR TWO NORTH COUNTRY FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN CLINTON AND ESSEX COUNTIES
Federal Funding Will Be Used to Purchase Protective Gear and Breathing Apparatuses for Rouses Point and Port Henry Fire Departments
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $137,944 in federal funding for North Country fire departments. Specifically, $29,524 will be awarded to the Rouses Point Fire Department in Clinton County and $108,420 to the Port Henry Fire Department in Essex County. This federal funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. These funds will allow the Rouses Point Fire Department to purchase 20 sets of personal protective gear for EMS personnel and enable the Port Henry Fire Department to purchase 16 self-contained breathing apparatuses.
“It is critical that we provide our local fire companies with the most up-to-date resources and tools 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 protective gear and breathing apparatuses they need so they can continue to do their important work of saving lives.”
“Rouses Point and Port Henry Fire Departments will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep firefighters safe during emergency situations,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our first responders are on the frontlines during emergencies and should have the most up-to-date equipment to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively.”
“We’re very grateful for the funding being provided and it will help us protect and citizens and our members,” said Chief Michael LeBlanc, Rouses Point Fire Department.
“We are extremely grateful FEMA has decided to fund our request. We desperately needed this funding and it is extremely appreciated,” said Fire Chief James Hughes, Port Henry Fire Department.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security and the 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. Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency 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.
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