Syracuse, NY – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $54,096 in federal funding for the Volney Volunteer Fire Corporation and the Oxbow Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Volney Volunteer Fire Corporation will receive $39,810 to purchase an air compressor and cascade self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) fill station. The Oxbow Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. will receive $14,286 to purchase 30 new pagers for first responders.
“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—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.”
“This new equipment will allow the Department to fill our SCBA’s in house, enabling our firefighters to train with critical safety equipment. Altogether, this equipment will increase our state of readiness and improve our ability to effectively serve our community and aide neighboring fire departments,” said Volney Volunteer Fire Department Chief Adam Howard.
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 .