Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $225,929 in federal funding for the Woodstock Fire District. These federal dollars will be used by the Woodstock Fire District for equipment vital to the firefighter’s safety. The funding is allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“This is a great investment for Woodstock,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This federal investment will help improve the fire department’s equipment, help local firefighters do their work and keep families safe. I will continue working to ensure our first responders have the tools and resources they need to keep our communities safe.”
“We are happy to finally receive these funds, after trying for several years,” said Michael Densen, Chief, Woodstock Fire District. “Our equipment is over 20 years old, so these funds will be used to replace that equipment and keep our firefighters safer on the scene. It will also save the local taxpayers a significant about of money.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by DHS and FEMA, is part of an effort to increase the nation’s emergency response preparation. This program provides federal funding to first responder organizations for the acquisition of personal protective equipment, firefighting vehicles, and emergency response equipment. The funds will also help provide emergency response training to firefighters.