SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $22,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR CITY OF ITHACA FIRE DEPARTMENT

Federal Funding Will Be Used to Purchase New Equipment

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $22,637 in federal funds for the City of Ithaca Fire Department in Tompkins County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the City of Ithaca Fire Department will use the funding to purchase new specialty equipment which cleans hazardous contaminants from protective clothing worn by firefighters.

“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.”

"We are honored to be awarded this grant.  The funding will be used to purchase specialty equipment used to clean hazardous contaminants from the protective clothing worn by our firefighters. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is critical to keeping smaller, upstate departments like ours as strong as can be. I want to express my great appreciation to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support with obtaining this AFG funding,” said Tom Parsons, City of Ithaca 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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