Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $377,150 in federal funding for the Fulton Fire Department to acquire new equipment to respond to emergencies more effectively. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).
“This funding will help equip the Fulton Fire Department with the tools they need to save lives,” Senator Gillibrand said. “I will keep working to ensure our first responders have the resources they need to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Fulton Mayor Ronald L. Woodward, Sr. said, “This is very welcome news especially in these very rough economic times for the City of Fulton. We are grateful to the Senator.”
Councilman Peter Franco. Chairman of the Public Safety Committee said, “We are grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her assistance in securing this grant to be used to purchase a new Pumper Truck badly needed by our Fire Department.”
Captain Dan Abel said, “We’re very thankful. A new engine will be a great asset to Fulton and the surrounding area.”
Acting Fire Chief Paul Foster said, “This is welcome news and should be tremendous boost to our Fire Department and the Greater Fulton Community that it serves. I am grateful to our personnel who worked on the FEMA Grant Application and thankful to the Legislator’s that supported our efforts in securing this Fire Grant.”
The Fulton Fire Department will use the federal finding to purchase a new fire truck pumper, allowing the department, which employs 39 full-time members, to better serve the greater Fulton community.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, 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 also help provide emergency response trainings.