SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, MALONEY ANNOUNCE OVER $50K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE ARLINGTON FIRE DISTRICT IN POUGHKEEPSIE
This Funding Will Be Used to Purchase Personal Protection Equipment and to Update Training for Fire Investigators
Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney today announced $50,381 in federal funding for the Arlington Fire District in Poughkeepsie. The funding was provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and will be used to purchase new personal protection equipment for firefighters. In addition, the federal funding will also be used to update the training of the department’s fire investigators to help them meet new educational requirements. Fire investigators are responsible for determining the origin and causes for fires.
“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 Arlington Fire District to purchase new equipment and invest in updated training, this grant will help ensure their health and safety in any emergency.”
“With this federal investment, the Arlington Fire District will be able to keep their members safe from dangerous conditions with new personal protection equipment. It will also increase public safety by allowing fire investigators to receive the most up-to-date training available,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will always fight in the Senate to make sure our local fire departments have the support they need to do their jobs and keep them safe.”
“We need to make sure our firefighters are trained and equipped in the most cutting edge technology and methods around,” said Rep. Maloney. “This investment will make sure our personnel in the Arlington Fire District can respond to emergencies efficiently and with the best equipment available.”
“This grant award will provide the Arlington Fire District with the financial assistance needed and afford us the opportunity for our fire investigators to meet or exceed new educational requirements. The award also provides for the acquisition of personal protection equipment for new team members. Our fire investigation division, in conjunction with our partners in local law enforcement, is responsible for determining the origin and cause of fires that may be accidental, natural, or incendiary in nature. In addition to meeting new educational requirements, investigators must also meet mandatory annual in service training requirements in order to remain proficient in such specialized skills as evidence collection, scene documentation, interviewing, and report preparation for court testimony,” said Fire Chief Tory Gallante. “The Arlington Fire District is truly thankful for receiving this award under the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the assistance it provides in helping us safeguard our community.”
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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