SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $137,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR CORNING FIRE DEPARTMENT
Funding Will Be Used To Purchase 24 New SCBA Air Packs
Corning, NY – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $137,143 in federal funding for the Corning Fire Department in Steuben County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Corning Fire Department will use the funding to purchase 24 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air packs.
“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.”
“This Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) will allow the City of Corning Fire Department to replace the aging Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This equipment is essential to the mission of the fire department and will allow us to continue providing quality fire protection services to the citizens and visitors of Corning,” said Brad Davies, Chief of Corning Fire Department.
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. 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.fema.gov/firegrants.
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