SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $650,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR FIRE DEPARTMENTS ACROSS UPSTATE NY

Schumer Helped Create AFG & SAFER Programs Which Help Equip & Staff Upstate NY Fire Departments

Schumer, Gillibrand: New Fed $$ Will Keep Upstate Firefighters Prepared To Take On Any Emergency

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $665,310.24 in federal funding for fire departments across Upstate New York. The funding will be used to provide protective gear, training, and supplies to emergency personnel across nine fire departments. This federal funding was administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

“Brave firefighters across Upstate NY, from Oriskany to Olcott, risk their lives to protect our communities so we need to do all we can to provide them the resources they need to be well trained and well protected,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal dollars will help firefighters get better access to the training, protective gear, and equipment they need to keep themselves and New Yorkers safe. I stood with firefighters across Upstate NY to push for the reauthorization of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program and I’m grateful that the AFG Program – that I fought hard to create and preserve – is continuing to deliver results for Upstate New York.”

“Across our state, New York’s firefighters work tirelessly to protect our communities and save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will provide firefighters from the Mohawk Valley to Western New York with the new equipment, training, and resources they need to stay safe as they respond to emergency situations. I’m proud to announce this funding and will continue fighting to provide New York’s fire departments with the resources they need to defend our communities on the front lines.”

A full list of funding recipients can be found below:

These awards come after the senators announced the first round of 2024 AFG funding earlier this month, sharing that nearly $1.5 million in federal funding is on the way for additional fire departments across New York State. Schumer, who helped create the AFG & Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs, said that since their inception, these programs have delivered nearly $700 million to firefighters across the Empire State.

Last month, Senator Schumer applauded the signing of the bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act, which extends federal grant programs, including the AFG program, to help keep firefighters and communities safe. Schumer explained that this federal program has been a lifeline for fire departments across the state and has become essential to their continued operations. Fire departments, especially those in Upstate New York, often face budget shortfalls and extremely high costs that mean they cannot purchase the modern equipment they need to combat emergencies and keep firefighters safe. Schumer said that AFG grants have positively benefited fire departments in every corner of Upstate New York. Thanks to Senator Schumer and his colleagues’ Fire Grants and Safety Act, NY firefighters will continue to receive the federal support they need to purchase lifesaving equipment and hire more firefighters throughout Upstate NY.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) is administered by FEMA. The competitive grants are awarded to the applicants that most closely meet the program’s requirements and demonstrate a commitment to its priorities. The funding will be used to supplement the operations and safety of fire departments, including professional training, wellness programs, purchasing personal protective equipment, and upgrading facilities and supplies.

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