Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $461k In Federal Funding For Five Fire Departments Throughout The Capital Region

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $461,477 in federal funding for five fire departments in the Capital Region. Specifically, the Broadalbin Kennyetto Fire Company will receive $153,524, the Lebanon Valley Protective Association will receive $104,096, the Schodack Landing Fire Company will receive $98,572 the Speigletown Fire District will receive $52,381, and the Stephentown Fire District No. 1 will receive $52,904. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders in the Capital Region and across the state are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security – it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”

“Our firefighters defend and protect our communities, and we need to do everything possible to make sure that they have the resources necessary to stay safe and be prepared to respond to emergencies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal funds will provide critical resources to fire departments throughout the Capital Region, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure our local fire departments have the support they need.”

“We are very happy to receive this grant. We would have not been able to receive this equipment without it. We apply every year for something different that is an expensive piece on our budget,” said Lebanon Valley Protective Association Chief Gregg Gilliland.

“Senator Schumer’s office has informed the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department that we are awarded a Department of Homeland Security Aid to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $52,904.  This will be used to purchase a compressor system to fill self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) bottles.  “Air packs” are used not only when extinguishing fires, but also when we encounter any hazardous materials emergency where respiratory protection may be needed.  By installing our own compressor system we no longer have to travel 22 miles to neighboring Berlin Fire Department to fill our air bottles. We are grateful to Sen. Schumer for supporting the Department of Homeland Security grant program to enhance emergency response safety and capability,” said Stephentown Fire Department Chief Jon Angley.

“Speigletown Fire District is pleased to announce that we received a 2017 Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $52,381 for the purpose of replacing our current self-contained breathing apparatus system. This grant will allow us to offset the tax burden to our community. By providing this much-needed funding for large equipment, this compressor allows us to fill out air bottles at our own station, instead of traveling, allowing our members to get home to their families sooner,” said Speigletown Fire District Chief William Maloney.

“Broadalbin Kennyetto Fire Company greatly appreciates all the help from Senator Schumer’s office, allowing the fire company to get this grant and enabling us to acquire our new SCBA. This will enable us to better serve our community,” said Broadalbin-Kenneytto Volunteer Fire Department Treasurer Bob Zurlo.

A breakdown and description of the federal grant awards are provided below: 

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is 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 found here.

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