SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $46K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE CITY OF WATERTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT IN JEFFERSON COUNTY
Funding Will Be Used to Purchase Three Gear Washer-Extractors and Three Gear Dryers – One for Each of Watertown’s Three Fire Stations
Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $46,364 in federal funding for the City of Watertown Fire Department in Jefferson County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and will be used to purchase three gear washer-extractors and three gear dryers – one for each of Watertown’s three fire stations.
“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.”
“Every day, our first responders risk their lives to protect their communities, exposing themselves to dangerous chemicals that can harm their health. This federal funding will allow the City of Watertown Fire Department to purchase washers and extractors that will help keep their equipment clean from possible contamination,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will always fight in the Senate to make sure our local fire departments have the resources they need to do their jobs safely.”
“We are very pleased to receive this Firefighters Grant” said Dale Herman, City of Watertown Fire Chief. “By purchasing these Gear Washer Extractors and Gear Dryers, it will help us to provide cleaned and safe turnout gear and reduce the prevalence of cancer for our firefighters.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is 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 found here.
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