U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $37,558 in federal funding for the Carlton Fire Company in Orleans County, a volunteer fire company located in the Town of Albion. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program. The federal funding will allow the Carlton Fire Department to purchase new auto-extrication tools, including cutters that help first responders quickly remove victims from enclosed spaces quickly. It will also allow the fire company to purchase scene lighting equipment, which is used to help firefighters better illuminate their surroundings, allowing them to more safely respond to and help victims during nighttime emergencies.
“It is critical that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial provide them with these cutting-edge tools they need so they can continue their important work of saving lives.”
“The Carlton Fire Company will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep firefighters safe during emergency situations and be able to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our first responders are the ones on the frontlines during emergencies and should have the most up-to-date equipment as they do their job protecting our community.”
“We at the Carlton Fire Company are very happy to hear we got approved for the Grant,” said Dwayne Tinkous, Assistant Chief of the Carlton Fire Company. “We strive to keep our equipment in great shape and keep our members trained, so that we can provide excellent services to our district. By getting this grant, we will be able to update our very much needed Rescue Services to our fire district and provide our neighboring companies with our assistance if needed.”
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/.