U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $47,239 in federal funding for the McDonough Fire Department to purchase 8 new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units. The money is allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). This funding will provide valuable resources to ensure Chenango County residents’ safety. The McDonough Fire District will use this federal investment to replace outdated SCBA units and to address the ever increasing cost of fire equipment.
“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—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 in Chenango County to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I fought for this funding to help keep our first responders protected when they respond to emergencies, and I will continue doing everything I can in the Senate to make sure that our first responders are given the support they deserve.”
“We are a smaller fire department and this grant will allow us to keep up with the ever increasing cost of new fire equipment. The funding will be used to purchase 8 new much needed SCBA units to keep our members safe,” Chief Donald Granger.
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 the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. 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/.