U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $106,939.02 in federal funding for three fire departments in the Southern Tier. Specifically, East Worcester Hose Co. 1 will receive $22,619.04, the McDonough Fire Department will receive $40,510.47 and the North Hornell Fire Department Club will receive $43,809.52. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders in the Southern Tier and across the state are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security—it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”
“I am proud to announce these funds for fire departments in East Worcester, McDonough, and North Hornell, which will be able to purchase critical equipment to help protect first responders from the dangerous conditions that they face every day,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our firefighters risk their lives to protect our communities, and I will always fight for the resources our local fire departments need to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”
“This has been a big topic of discussion for some time now and we are very thankful to have received the funding from FEMA and the AFG program to allow us to be able to fund this project. This will make our station a much safer place for our firefighters, civilian staff, and the public who frequent our station regularly,” said Chief Mike Robbins, North Hornell Fire Department.
A breakdown and description of the federal grant awards are provided below:
|
Award Recipient |
Award Amount |
County |
Purpose |
|
East Worcester Hose Co. 1 |
$22,619.04 |
Otsego |
To purchase new firefighter protective gear |
|
McDonough Fire Department |
$40,510.47 |
Chenango |
To purchase and install a vehicle exhaust removal system for the fire station |
|
North Hornell Fire Department Club |
$43,809.52 |
Steuben |
To purchase and install a vehicle exhaust removal system for the fire station |
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is 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 found here.
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