SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $47K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE WHITESBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT IN ONEIDA COUNTY

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $47,620 in federal funding for the Whitesboro Fire Department in Oneida County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and will be used to replace a diesel exhaust system, which will help remove harmful chemicals and particles from the department’s fire truck engines to ensure clean air in the station.   

“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security. Protecting the health of our courageous firefighters within their stations is also critical, and this funding will do just that by allowing the Whitesboro Fire Department to purchase an exhaust system for their trucks that will prevent engines from emitting dangerous air pollutants.”

“Firefighters risk their lives to protect our communities, exposing themselves to dangerous chemicals in order to keep us all safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will allow the Whitesboro Fire Department to purchase new equipment that will help protect firefighters’ health and safety as they do their jobs, and I will always fight to make sure that our local fire departments have the resources they need.”

“The fire department is excited to be able to secure the grant to install the diesel exhaust system. This project will considerably reduce carbon monoxide exposure which will ultimately keep our firefighters safer,” said Fire Chief Peter Sobel.

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.

###