U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $53,334 in federal funding for the Speigletown Fire Department in Rensselaer County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The federal funding will allow the Speigletown Fire Department’s 45-50 active firefighters to purchase Storz hydrant adaptors, which will be used to retrofit older hydrants, decreasing the time firefighters spend getting water from them.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary 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.”
“These federal funds will allow our first responders to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect our first responders when they risk their lives, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure they are given the support they deserve.”
“These funds will be instrumental in allowing us to retrofit older hydrants in the two towns to make it quicker and easier to obtain a good water sources for fire suppression,” said Fire Chief William Maloney.
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.fema.gov/firegrants.