SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $3.3 MILLION IN FEMA FUNDING FOR FIREFIGHTERS ACROSS UPSTATE NEW YORK

Funding Will Be Used To Enhance Departments’ Response Capabilities And More Effectively Protect The Health And Safety Of The Public

Senators Say Firefighters Were On The Frontlines Throughout The COVID-19 Pandemic, Have Worked Tirelessly To Keep New York Safe 

Schumer, Gillibrand: Federal Funding Wil Help Put Out Budget Fire Facing Fire Departments

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,351,732.05 in federal funding to fire departments across New York State to enhance departments’ response capabilities and to help them more effectively protect the health and safety of the public. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).

“From the peak of the pandemic to normal times, our brave firefighters are always on the front lines, risking their lives to protect their communities,” said Senator Schumer. “These courageous firefighters deserve all the federal support possible to help them do their jobs. I’ve fought my whole career to bring more federal resources to support our brave firefighters, and I’m proud to deliver this funding so New York’s fire departments have the resources and equipment to do their jobs and make it through the ensuing economic crisis.”

“Every day, first responders face dangerous conditions to protect our communities, and we must provide them with the resources needed to stay safe on the job during this health crisis,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to have fought for this critical funding in support of New York’s local fire departments. These federal dollars will help offset costs from the COVID-19 emergency and modernize equipment that will protect our firefighters’ health and safety as they do their jobs. I will always fight in the Senate for the resources that our firefighters need to save lives.”

The senators explained that the funding comes as localities face budget shortages and consider staff cuts, including in fire departments. Schumer and Gillibrand said the funding announced today will go directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations, and state fire training academies.

A chart with the AFG breakdown appears below:

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