U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $503,145 in federal funding for the Gerritsen Beach Fire Volunteers. The funding was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, these funds will be used to purchase new radios that will help the volunteer firefighters better communicate with New York City.
“This funding ensures that our local heroes in Gerritsen Beach will have the proper resources they need to protect our communities,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m committed to fighting for the resources our firefighters need to serve this community as safely and effectively as possible.”
“These federal funds will allow our fire departments 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.”
“On behalf of the association I would like to thank Senator Schumer for his support for this much needed grant. This funding will go a long way to ensure that our volunteer fire fighters have access to the equipment needed to safeguard the people and property of our communities,” said Daniel Cavanagh of the Gerritsen Beach Fire Volunteers.
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. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.