Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $24,700 in federal funding that will serve Manchester, Farmington, Shortsville and Port Gibson volunteer fire departments in Ontario County. The funding will be used to purchase smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be distributed to families throughout the community, and provide fire safety education in local school districts. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program.
“This is an important investment for Ontario County,” Senator Gillibrand said. “We need to make sure that families that are struggling in this tough economy have these basic necessities in their homes to help keep them safe, and set good safety habits for our children so we are prepared in times of emergency.”
“We are excited to receive this regional fire prevention and safety grant which will benefit the citizens of four districts, Manchester, Shortsville, Farmington and Port Gibson,” said Jason Wagnor, Shortsville Fire Chief and grant writer. “Funds from the project will be used to install free smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and support educational efforts in local school districts. We look forward to working together to provide lifesaving equipment and information for our communities.”
“We are pleased that this grant affords the opportunity to make these safety devices available to our community,” said Mayor Nancy W. Johnsen, Village of Manchester.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant FP&S Program, established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and reduce injury and save lives.