SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $29K IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR HAMMOND FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT IN ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY

Federal Funding Will Be Used To Purchase Communication Devices

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $29,143 in federal funding for the Hammond Fire & Rescue Department in St. Lawrence County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funding will be used to purchase 45 pagers and 15 portable radios.

“It is vital that we provide our first responders with the tools they need to succeed,” said Senator Schumer. “With this new equipment, it will be much easier for the courageous Hammond firefighters to communicate with one another. These firefighters are our local heroes and our primary line of defense for safety and security, and we must ensure that they are able to take on any emergency.”

“Firefighters are often our first line of defense in emergencies, and it is critical that they have the equipment they need to help keep them safe as they protect our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With this federal funding, the Hammond Fire and Rescue Department will be able to purchase new communications devices to make sure that they can safely and efficiently respond to emergencies, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure our local fire departments have the support they need to do their jobs.”

“We are very excited to be selected for this award. It will allow us to purchase new equipment which will directly impact our firefighters’ ability to safely perform their duties and protect their community,” said Stephen Trenton, Public Information Officer of Hammond Fire & Rescue.

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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