Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $40,375 in federal funding for West Stockholm Fire Department in St. Lawrence County. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).
“These federal funds will provide the assistance that West Stockholm Fire Department needs to replace critical life-saving equipment. Firefighters are the first people on the scene of a car accident, and it’s crucial that we provide them with the equipment they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability,” said Senator Schumer.
“This is a much needed investment for St. Lawrence County,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The West Stockholm Fire Department responds to many car accidents, and they need the right equipment to rescue anyone who is trapped in a vehicle. This funding will provide the critical tools the West Stockholm Fire Department needs to better serve their community and save more lives.”
The West Stockholm Fire Department has been serving St. Lawrence County residents since 1926. They will use the federal funding to purchase five pieces of rescue equipment called “Jaws of Life”, which are used to extract trapped individuals from motor vehicles and include cutters, rams and spreaders. The department’s current rescue equipment is more than 20 years old and cannot cut through newer cars. Most of the emergencies the West Stockholm Fire Department responds to are motor vehicle crashes.
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/ .