Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $212,420 in federal funding for Finger Lakes Fire Departments. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).
“These much-needed federal funds will enable Finger Lakes fire departments to purchase critical firefighting equipment like oxygen tanks, high-performance masks and state-of-the-art radios. First responders safeguard our residents and protect our property, and it’s crucial that we provide support to purchase the equipment they need to do their jobs safely,” said Senator Schumer.
“This is an important investment for our fire departments across the Finger Lakes Region,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way, it’s our job to make sure they have the right equipment to save lives. This funding will provide critical tools and resources to our firefighters so they can better serve our communities and keep our families safe.”
The Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department in Canandaigua will receive $145,796 in federal funding to purchase new FCC compliant radios. They will be purchasing 34 portable radios, 7 mobile radios and 2 radios for their base station. The Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department has been in operation since 1948 and cover an area that spans the Southwest portion of Canandaigua, including 11.5 miles of Shoreline, and the Northeast portion of Bristol. They serve more than 5,000 permanent residents and more than 14,000 seasonal residents.
“We will be using this funding to purchase new radios to be in compliance with the 2014 FCC narrow band regulations,” said Assistant Chief Mike Northrup. “The new radios will enhance communication and give us a safer environment to work in. We feel very blessed, and we thank Senator Gillibrand for all of her support and we look forward to working with her office more in the future.”
The Bushnell Basin Fire Association in Pittsford will receive $37,506 in federal funding to purchase 47 new breathing air systems. Bushnell Basin is home to over 10,000 residents in the southwest portion of the Town of Perinton. The fire department has been serving its residents since 1940.
“We are excited to receive this grant as it will allow us to replace our aging breathing air cylinders as standards say these bottles must be discarded at 15 years of age,” said Greg Gulick, Bushnell Basin Fire Chief.
The Churchville Volunteer Fire Department will receive $29,118 to construct training mazes that teach firefighters entry and exit strategies, and how to use breathing apparatus’. The Churchville Fire Department has long served the Village of Churchville, since 1876. They are made up of more than 70 members, who work to ensure the safety of Churchville residents. They serve more than 3,000 people in the village of Churchville and 75 percent of the residents in the Town of Riga.
The Churchville Fire department is very pleased to receive this funding,” said Steve Gulvin, President of the Churchville Fire Department. “This is a project we would not be able to complete within our standard budget. The construction of this training facility will allow us to improve safety training.
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/ .