SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $94K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE CRAGSMOOR FIRE DISTRICT IN ULSTER COUNTY
This Funding Will Be Used to Purchase New Breathing Equipment for Firefighters
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $94,762 in federal funding for the Cragsmoor Fire District in Ulster County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The Cragsmoor Fire District will use the funding to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) devices 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 Cragsmoor Fire District to purchase new breathing equipment, this grant will help ensure their health and safety in any emergency.”
“Every day, our first responders are exposed to dangerous conditions as they risk their lives to protect their communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will allow the Cragsmoor Fire District 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.”
“On behalf of the membership, along with my line officers, we thank you for the award given to the Cragsmoor Fire District. The award will not only bring us 100% in compliance with all Federal, State, and OSHA regulations for SCBAs, it will reduce the vulnerability to our greatest risks and ensure the protection of our firefighters in the evolving hazards which challenge us. This grant can be measured in both monetary value and by the number of fewer and less injuries sustained by our firefighters and the public and reduced sustainable damage to our community at large,” said Fire Chief Joseph Monell.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant 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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