U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $101,284 in federal funding for the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department #1 Inc., located in Herkimer County. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, this funding will be used to replace 17 old self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); these new air packs will be used to keep firefighters safe.
“This much-needed funding will provide our East Herkimer firefighters with the funding they need to purchase the critical equipment they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “First responders are our primary line of defense – they put their lives on the line each day for the safety of our residents. That’s why it is crucial we provide them with the resources they need to continue their important and life-saving work.”
“Our first responders are on the frontlines during emergencies and should have the most up-to-date equipment to carry out their lifesaving work,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The equipment purchased with this grant will help ensure the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department is safe and ready to respond.”
“The East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department is a small, all volunteer department providing emergency services to a mostly rural community with approximately 2400 residents over 32 square miles. Faced with the financial burden of replacing our obsolete SCBA and an aging rescue truck also in need of replacement, this grant couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Chief Alan Richard. “The grant funds will be used to replace our outdated SCBA with new NFPA compliant units, helping to ensure the health and safety of our volunteer fire fighters.”
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/.