Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $228,375 in federal funding for the Olive Fire Department and the Marbletown First Aid Unit in Ulster County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The Olive Fire Department is located in Olivebridge, New York and will use the $157,007 in federal funding to purchase new turnout gear and mandated personal escape systems for firefighters. The Marbletown First Aid Unit is located in High Falls, New York and will use the $71,368 in federal funding to purchase a new power stretcher and a loader system to support emergency services.
“With this funding, the Olive Fire Department will be able to purchase the protective gear they need to effectively do their jobs,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense. It is crucial that we provide them with the cutting-edge equipment they need to do their important work and save lives.”
“First responders put their lives on the line every day and that is why it is important to make sure they have access to critical equipment,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This investment for Ulster County will go a long way in helping to ensure their safety and the safety of the community.”
“The Olive Fire Dept. No.1 Inc. in connection with Senators Gillibrand, Schumer, and Seward’s office is pleased to announce the receipt of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Department of Homeland Security,” said Chris Winne, Olive Fire Department Chief. “The department serves the entire Town of Olive using five stations that are spread across approximately 67 square miles. Our Department is very excited about this news as it will allow us to purchase personal protective equipment needing to be updated.”
“We are ecstatic here at the Marbletown First Aid Unit to be awarded $71,368 in AFG grant funds to support critical Medical Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment. We are a 100% all Volunteer Ambulance Company that provides Ambulance service to 7 fire companies,” said Beth Anderson, Marbletown First Aid Unit Board Treasurer and Secretary . “We are not funded by fire companies and this is the first time in 53 years that we have won an AFG/FEMA grant. Thank you Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for $71,368 to support a vital community service. Further, thank you for recognizing the commitment of our skilled volunteers.”
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.