U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $214,221 in federal funding for the Port Crane Fire Company. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Port Crane Fire Company will use the federal funding to purchase 32 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
“It is critical that we provide our local fire companies 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 these fire districts with the cutting-edge protective gear they need so they can continue to do their important work of saving lives.”
“Our first responders are on the frontlines and this federal funding will allow Port Crane Fire Company to invest in critical protective equipment for first responders to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively in Broome County,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our firefighters should have the most up-to-date equipment when they respond to emergencies.”
“We are very grateful to receive this grant,” said Thomas Sheridan, Chief Port Crane Fire Company Inc. “It will benefit Port Crane & Chenango Forks Firefighters by allowing both agencies to replace our outdated Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. The new equipment will improve safety for our firefighters and we will now be compatible with neighboring Fire Departments.”
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.firegrantsupport.com/.