Albany, NY – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $42,289 in federal funding for the Richmondville Fire Department in Schoharie County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Richmondville Fire Department will use the funding to upgrade communications equipment including portable radios, pagers, and a radio base station.
“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.”
“Our fire company will be using this grant to purchase radios for the department’s response vehicles, which will greatly improve our communication with the 911 center when we respond to incidents in the Richmondville Fire District and the adjoining communities,” said Eric Haslun, President of the Richmondville Volunteer Fire Department. “The grant allows our community to come up to today’s standards without the burden of raising taxes. Our department would like to thank US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her support of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.”
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.