U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $21,724 in federal funding for Hoosick Falls Joint Fire District in Rensselaer County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The Hoosick Falls Joint Fire District will use this federal investment to purchase a washer-extractor and drying cabinet to clean turnout gear.
“It is critical that we provide our fire departments with the resources they need to keep our firefighters safe, so they can do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial provide them with the tools and equipment they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”
The Hoosick Falls Joint Fire District will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep firefighters safe during emergency situations and enable them able to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our first responders are on the frontlines and should have the most up-to-date equipment as they do their job protecting our community.”
“We received a previous AFG grant that allowed us to buy turnout gear,” said Robert Bornt, former Fire Chief and Grants Manager. “In order to be NFPA compliant, we needed a high tech washer and dryer to clean this gear. This will benefit our firefighters and allow them to maintain their gear. Turnout gear is made to last 10 years and we’ll be able to get the full life of this gear by maintaining it and keeping it clean to the proper standards.”
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.firegrantsupport.com/.