SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $115,000 FOR DOLGEVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT; FUNDING MEANS VITAL EQUIPMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the Dolgeville Volunteer Fire Department is set to receive $115,173 in Round 24 of the FY12 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG awards are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are designed to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The Dolgeville Volunteer Fire Department will use funding to purchase 14 new selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) sets and a cascade system which helps to fill air bottles.

"This community has faced disasters before and knows well the value of wellequipped first responders. With this funding, Dolgeville firefighters can focus on their important work knowing that they have reliable new equipment," said Senator Schumer. "These investments will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their lifesaving work and will enable them to respond as effectively and safely as possible with updated SCBA sets and refilling system."

"This is an important investment for the Dolgeville Volunteer Fire Department," said Senator Gillibrand. "It's our responsibility to ensure our first responders have the most uptodate equipment to serve our communities.  The new SCBA packs and cascade system will help the Dolgeville Volunteer Fire Department upgrade their emergency response equipment so that their volunteer firefighters can respond to emergencies in the community safely and more efficiently, and help save more lives."

Schumer was an original sponsor of the legislation that led to the creation of this funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of equipment and fire prevention. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program funds can go towards training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists local fire departments in programs and activities to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.

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. firegrantsupport.com/ .