Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $43,919 in federal funding for Yulan Fire Department in Sullivan County. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The funds will be used to purchase new extrication equipment, including a new “Jaws of Life” tool, a large cutter, a small and large ram, and a hose and fittings. Yulan Fire Departments current set of extrication equipment is 30 years old and needs to be replaced, because it is difficult to service and find tools for 30-year old equipment.
“These much-needed federal funds will provide the assistance that Yulan Fire Department needs to replace critical equipment like their ‘Jaws of Life,’ which they use to rescue people in car accidents. First responders are our primary line of defense – they safeguard our residents and protect our property. It’s crucial that we provide our fire departments support to purchase the equipment they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability,” said Senator Schumer.
“Updating critical equipment gives fire fighters the tools and resources they need to better serve their communities and save more lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Volunteer fire fighters put their lives on the line to keep our families and neighborhoods safe, and I am pleased the Yulan Fire Department has been awarded this federal funding to continue their service.”
“$43,000 is a lot for a volunteer fire department to come up with, so obtaining these funds is crucial for us,” said Phillip Johnson, Treasurer for the Yulan Fire Department. “When I joined the Yulan volunteer firefighters in 1989, this equipment had already been here for several years. You can really see that this 30-year-old extrication package is definitely in need of replacing, for the safety of our community.”
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/ .