SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $180,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR NYACK JOINT FIRE DISTRICT AND BREWSTER-SOUTHEAST JOINT FIRE DISTRICT
Federal Funding For Hudson Valley Fire Departments Will Bolster Operations and Safety Protocols
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $182,118 in federal funding for fire departments in the Lower Hudson Valley Region. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). Specifically, the Nyack Joint Fire District in Rockland County will receive $27,572, which will help them purchase pagers. The Brewster-Southeast Joint Fire District in Putnam County will receive $154,546, which will enable the purchase of new “Scott Packs” – facemasks needed to protect firefighters in hazardous situations.
“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 would like to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for securing funding for the Brewster-Southeast Fire Department. This funding will provide necessary resources for our firefighters, and will improve the safety of the community that we serve,” said Brewster-Southeast Fire Commissioner Joseph Toscano.
“We would like to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their support of the Nyack Joint Fire District. Due to this funding, we will have additional resources to keep our area safe," said Nyack Joint Fire District Commissioner James Hartwick.
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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