SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $281,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR SIX FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE CAPITAL REGION

Federal Funding Will Be Used to Purchase New Equipment For Firefighters

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $281,072 in federal funding for six fire departments in the Capital Region. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to purchase new equipment for 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.”

“These federal funds will allow our fire departments to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Every day our first responders risk their lives to protect us, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure our local fire departments have the support they need to do their jobs effectively.”

“This AFG program grant will allow the Claverack Fire District to replace obsolete SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus).  Our current SCBA units are over fifteen years old and do not have many of the safety features required by the current NFPA standards.  Thanks to this Grant, the Fire District can purchase new SCBA that will be fully compliant and up-to-date, and in turn, will increase the safety of our firefighters. We can now replace these outdated, mission-critical SCBA units with minimal impact to our Local District budget,” said First Assistant Chief George Keeler.

“The grant will allow the Hoosick Falls Joint Fire District to purchase a new stationary Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), Air Compressor and Cascade Fill Station. This funding will allow our members to refill the SCBA at our station, minimizing the time spent out of district. It will also allow members to get the equipment back in service faster for the protection of our firefighters and the residents of the district. In addition, the fill station will be available to all neighboring departments,” said Chief of Department Paul J. Aleksonis.

“The Stuyvesant Falls Fire District requested the Assistance to Firefighter's Grant to replace nozzles and appliances that exceed twenty years of age and are not preforming to specification anymore,” said Chief Benjamin Webster of Stuyvesant Falls Fire District.  "We have been trying to replace these items for over five years now and would not be able to accomplish the project without the funding assistance from the AFG program” 

“This award is great news for the Granville Engine & Hose. We will be able to purchase more rescue equipment such as rescue struts, air bags and an air chisel,” said Chief Ryan Pedone of Granville Engine & Hose Company #1. “We would not have been able to purchase these items for many years without this grant, and it will allow us to provide more equipment to better serve the Granville Community.

“The City of Glens Falls Fire Department is honored to receive this award from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program” said Fire Chief James P. Schrammel. “The funding will be used to purchase much needed respiratory fit testing equipment.  This equipment will enable the Department to conduct its own fit tests in house.  This will be a cost savings to the city and will aid us in meeting federal and state requirements.”

“The District plans to use the funds to acquire new training and simulation equipment, including a Bullex Vehicle Fire training simulator and a Bullex Positive Pressure Ventilation Training House,” said Department Chief Brian Boudreau of the Halfmoon-Waterford Fire District. “This grant award will enable our firefighters to be trained to the highest level of competency, so we can provide an outstanding level of service to the residents of our Fire District. On behalf of our members and residents, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the office of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for her continued support of our department and the Fire and Emergency Services in our area.”

“The Stuyvesant Falls Fire District requested the Assistance to Firefighter's Grant to replace nozzles and appliances that exceed twenty years of age and are not preforming to specification anymore.  We have been trying to replace these items for over five years now and would not be able to accomplish the project without the funding assistance from the AFG program,” said Chief Benjamin Webster of Stuyvesant Falls Fire District.

Breakdown of funding included below.

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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