U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $116,191 in federal funding for the Galen/Clyde Joint Fire District in Wayne County. The funding was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the funding will be used to replace outdated, decades-old self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air packs with new, state-of-the-art equipment. It will also be used to equip several firefighters with new protective turnout gear.
“This funding will help keep our local heroes safe as they continue to bravely serve this community,” said Senator Schumer. “These men and women put their lives on the line each and every day. The least we can do is ensure that they are equipped with top-notch gear. That’s why I’m committed to fighting for the resources our firefighters need to answer residents’ calls for help as safely and effectively as possible.”
“These federal funds will allow our fire departments to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“The Galen/Clyde Joint Fire District would like to thank FEMA and Senator Schumer for their continued support of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,” said Fire Chief Karl Simon. “This financial assistance will allow us to keep our interior firefighters as safe as possible with state of the art personal protective equipment.”
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 the overall level of 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.