U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $182,478 in federal funding for the Jamesport Fire Department; the regional grant money will also be shared with Cutchogue Fire Department. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The funding will be used to purchase personal protective equipment, including 80 complete sets of coats, helmets, boots, gloves, pants, ANSI vests and suspenders fore firefighters. The new equipment will help protect firefighters from heat, smoke, fire and hazardous materials.
“This much-needed federal funding will provide the assistance that the Jamesport and Cutchogue Fire Departments need to purchase protective firefighting equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “First responders are our primary line of defense—they safeguard our residents and protect our property. It’s crucial that we provide our fire departments with the resources they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability.”
“Our first responders are on the frontlines and this federal funding will allow the Jamesport Fire Department and Cutchogue Fire Departments to invest in critical protective equipment for first responders to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively in Suffolk County,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our firefighters should have the most up-to-date equipment when they respond to emergencies.”
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. Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.