SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $227,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THREE FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN HUDSON VALLEY
Funding will be used to purchase new protective equipment for firefighters
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $227,589 in federal funding for the Village of Scarsdale, Nanuet Fire District and Hortonville Volunteer Fire Company Inc. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Village of Scarsdale located in Westchester County will receive $174,991 to purchase approximately 30 SCBA sets – air packs, 2 bottles and masks. The Nanuet Fire District located in Rockland County will receive $38,455 to purchase 16 sets of new turnout gear. The Hortonville Volunteer Fire Company located in Sullivan County will receive $14,143 to purchase new turnout gear.
“With this funding, our Hudson Valley firefighters can focus on their critical, life-saving work knowing they have new and reliable protective equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide them with the resources and up-to-date tools they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”
“These federal funds will allow our fire departments to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“We would like to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for this federal grant, with special thanks to Senator Schumer for his efforts to establish and fund FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighter Grant program. The key feature of this grant award is that we can upgrade our SCBA systems to the newest technology in order to meet NFPA standards, which will help protect the safety our local firefighters,” said James Seymour, Fire Chief, Village of Scarsdale Fire Department.
“The Nanuet Fire Department is pleased to accept this $38,445 award from FEMA. The award will purchase 16 sets of turnout gear that will replace turnout gear we have deemed unsafe and offers minimal protection to our members. This award will ensure all of our active members will have NFPA compliant PPE. Turnout gear is used by our members at every incident and training drill. We would like to thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her support of our application that will ensure the safety of our members,” said Vincent Pacella, Commissioner of Nanuet Fire District.
“We would like to thank the Senators for their assistance in getting this federal grant for the Hortonville Fire Department. The funding will be used for much needed new protective gear that will help keep our firefighters safe. The federal grant will also help us to offset the need for funding from local taxpayers,” said Peter Norton, Chief, Hortonville 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 the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. 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/
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