SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $26,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NIAGARA ENGINE COMPANY NO. 6 IN SCHOHARIE COUNTY
Federal Funding For Niagara Engine Company No 6 Inc. Will Be Used To Improve Recruitment & Retention of Firefighters
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $26,160 in federal funding for the Niagara Engine Company No 6 Inc. in Schoharie County. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. These funds will allow the Niagara Engine Company No 6 Inc. to improve recruitment and retention of firefighters.
“Our first responders are our local heroes and the first line of defense for our communities,” said Senator Schumer. “These critical funds will help ensure Niagara Engine Company No. 6 continues to attract and retain the talent it needs to answer residents’ calls for help as quickly and effectively as possible. I’m proud to stand with our firefighters, and I will keep up the fight to secure the resources they need to carry out their selfless service.”
“These federal funds will help provide our firefighters in Schoharie County with the tools they need to respond to emergency situations,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am very pleased that this funding was awarded to the Niagara Engine Company; hiring additional firefighters will help the fire department better serve the community. I will continue to fight in the Senate to make sure more of our local fire departments have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
“The Schoharie Fire Department is very grateful and excited to have been awarded this FEMA grant. To be able to offer new recruits brand new turnout gear is a luxury few volunteer fire departments can offer,” said Schoharie Fire Department Chief Marty Pierce. “Additionally, the exercise equipment will facilitate injury prevention and personal fitness through basic strength and cardio training for our members. This in turn will benefit the community by having healthier firefighters responding to incidents.”
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
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