SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $80K IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR TWO DUTCHESS COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Fire Depts. In Fishkill & Arlington Will Use Funds To Purchase New Emergency and Protective Equipment For Firefighters
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $82,927 in federal funds for two Dutchess County fire departments. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Village of Fishkill Fire Department in Dutchess County will receive $58,381 to purchase new protective turnout gear to keep firefighters safe while in burning buildings and dangerous situations. The Arlington Fire District in Dutchess County will receive $24,546 to purchase a new fire hose.
“It is critical that we provide our local fire departments with the most up-to-date equipment they need to keep our citizens safe and do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide them with the resources and cutting-edge tools they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”
“These federal funds will allow the Village of Fishkill Fire Department and the Arlington Fire District to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“I’d like to thank our Federal and State Elected Officials that provided Letters of Support for this important AFG grant and also acknowledge the Village Board and Village Emergency Response Coordinator Rad Wilson and our Grant Writer for their help in preparing for this grant. This grant will go a long way in protecting the Firefighters of the Village of Fishkill with up-to-date Turnout Gear and Alerting Radios,” said Fire Chief Brandon Knapp.
“We’re very appreciative to Senator Schumer and our other elected officials for their unwavering support for the Assistance to Firefighters funding program. With new fire hoses, we will be able to better support our local community and for that we are truly grateful,” said Tory Gallante, Chief of the Arlington Fire District.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are 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. Funding is allocated to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.
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