Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $21,906 in federal funding for the Hammond Fire & Rescue Department. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The federal funding will be used to purchase new fire hoses.
“These much-needed federal funds will help the Hammond Fire and Rescue Department to invest in the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and save lives,” said Senator Schumer. “Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our fire departments have the resources they need has always been a top priority of mine. These funds will allow our local heroes to continue their important work of keeping the community safe.”
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day and that is why it is important to make sure they have access to critical equipment,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This investment will help ensure their safety and the safety of the community, helping the Department save more lives.”
“Without the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program many smaller fire departments would be hard press to come up with the necessary funds for such a purchase,” said Blain Bogart, Hammond Fire & Rescue Department.
The Hammond Fire & Rescue Department is located in St. Lawrence County. They will use this federal funding to purchase new fire hoses to be placed on two pumpers.
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.