Rochester, NY – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $337,319 in federal funding for three fire departments in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). Specifically, the Hilton-Parma Fire District in Monroe County will receive $160,134, to purchase new communications equipment. The Alexander Fire Department, Inc. in Genesee County will receive $92,994 to purchase 15 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units and seven additional face masks. The Corfu Fire District in Genesee County will receive $84,191 to purchase 13 new SCBA units.
“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.”
“On behalf of the residents of the Hilton-Parma Fire District, we appreciate the federal governments funding the upgrade of Radio Equipment. This grant will assist in purchasing critical radio equipment, which in turn helps us better serve the public,” said John Lemcke, Fire Commissioner of the Hilton-Parma Fire District.
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.