Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $18,905 in federal funding for Tivoli Volunteer Fire Department’s Fifth Battalion to purchase new pagers and radios to improve communication between firefighters so they can respond to emergencies effectively and efficiently. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“This is an important investment for Tivoli Volunteer Fire Department,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that our first responders have the most up-to-date equipment so they can communicate effectively and respond to emergencies safely and efficiently to save more lives.”
“We are grateful to the officials at FEMA and Senator Gillibrand for their assistance in ensuring that our local heroes have the necessary resources to continue saving lives,” said Tivoli Mayor Bryan F. Cranna. “The brave men and women the Tivoli Fire Department stand as a cornerstone of our community. Without hesitation and without regard for their own safety, our firefighters respond to numerous emergency calls. These grant funds will provide for better communication to our members so that they can be notified immediately when someone is in need of emergency assistance.”
“As Tivoli Fire Chief I would like to thank all the men and women in our department for their endless support and dedication,” said Tivoli Fire Chief Marc Hildenbrand. “I would also like to thank Thomas Crisci Sr. for his hard work in securing this grant for the Tivoli Fire Department.”
The Tivoli Volunteer Fire Department is an all-volunteer department with 30 active members. They serve a 25 square-mile district including part of Bard College, and respond to well over 300 calls annually.
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.