SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $61K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE RICHVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT IN ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY

Funding Will Be Used to Replace Old And Outdated Breathing Equipment for Firefighters

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $61,905 in federal funding for the Richville Volunteer Fire Department in St. Lawrence County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The Richville Volunteer Fire Department will use the funding to purchase 10 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) devices and 20 air bottles that are worn by firefighters to help them breathe clean air.

“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. By allowing the courageous firefighters of the Richville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase new breathing equipment, this grant will help ensure their health and safety in any emergency.”

“Firefighters risk their lives to protect our communities, exposing themselves to dangerous conditions in order to keep us all safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will allow the Richville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase critical breathing equipment that will help protect them as they do their jobs. I will always fight to make sure that our local fire departments have the resources they need to safely and efficiently respond to emergencies.”

“We don’t have the funds available for such a major purchase so the timing of this announcement is just perfect. This grant will allow us to offset borrowing money to replace outdated equipment that is nearing the end of its useful life,” said Martin Hassett, President of Richville Volunteer Fire Department.

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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