U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $190,477, in federal funding for the Cortland Fire Department. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The Cortland Fire Department will use this funding to purchase new vehicles.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense for safety and security—it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”
“These federal funds will allow our first responders to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect our first responders when they risk their lives, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure they are given the support they deserve.”
“We applied for the AFG fund to help replace our old rescue truck. This award could not have come at a better time. We were beginning to question its reliability when it comes to responding in emergency situations. This grant will allow us to replace our antiquated truck without placing the burden on the taxpayers in the City of Cortland,” said Charles Glover, Fire Chief.
The City of Cortland FD is technically only responsible for serving the city of Cortland. But currently, they are the only fire department in the entire county of Cortland that has the capability to respond to technical rescues, water rescues, and hazmat calls.
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. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.