U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $152,036 in federal funding for the Brighton Fire District in Rochester. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. This funding will allow the Brighton Fire District to bolster their recruitment efforts and retention.
“Whether it’s a fire, flood, car accident, or when disaster strikes, we depend on these local heroes to keep us safe, and they depend on us to give them the resources they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding will allow Brighton Fire District to retain and grow its ranks and will help ensure that the Brighton Fire District can respond to any situation quickly and efficiently. I’m proud to announce this grant and will continue working to make sure New York’s first responders have what they need.”
“These federal funds will allow the Brighton Fire District to effectively staff its department by recruiting and retaining first responders,” 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.”
“Since 1925, the Brighton Fire Department has relied upon a combination of volunteer and paid firefighters to provide outstanding fire rescue services to our community. We appreciate Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand’s support of the volunteer service in Upstate New York. Recruiting and retaining volunteer members are critical to keeping our community safe. This Federal Grant will allow us to market our need for more Brighton residents to volunteer with us and to improve the volunteer retention programs we have in place. There’s never been a better time to be a volunteer member of the Brighton Fire Department, and we welcome ages 14-55+ to inquire about serving with us at (585)381-3200, Join@BrightonFD.org, or via our website www.BrightonFD.org. Thank you to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support that will maintain the first class fire protection for the residents of the Brighton fire district,” said Chief Stephen MacAdam, Brighton Fire Department.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.