SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $107,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN CORTLAND COUNTY
Federal Funding For Cortlandville, City Of Cortland, Marathon, and Virgil Fire Deprtments Will Be Used to Purchase New Safety Equipment
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $107,533 in federal funding for several fire departments in Cortland 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 fire departments to purchase 238 new pagers. The funding will be shared between Cortlandville, city of Cortland, Marathon and Virgil Fire Departments.
“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."
“The AFG program has been refreshing for fire services. It allows us to catch back up and purchase new equipment. In our case, we’re now able to replace outdated pagers which is huge because it will have better reception and capabilities,” said Jared Gebel, Cortlandville Fire Chief.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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