U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $11,869.52 in federal funding for Niagara Engine Company No. 6 in Schoharie County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and will be used to replace the fire department’s outdated fire attack hose. Additionally, Niagara Engine Company No. 6 will use the funding to replace older and damaged valves, to better connect to fire hydrants. Schumer has long fought on behalf of Niagara Engine Company No. 6. After its fire station was destroyed by flooding during Tropical Storm Irene, Schumer worked hand-in-hand with Niagara Engine Company No. 6 to convince FEMA to construct a new fire station above the flood plain.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters in Schoharie County with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job. Our first responders at the Niagara Engine Company No. 6 are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security,” said Senator Schumer. “In fact, it was these heroes who were first on the scene at the heartbreaking Schoharie stretch limo crash last October, which tragically took the lives of 20 New Yorkers far too soon, providing support to those who needed it most. By allowing these courageous firefighters to purchase a new fire hose and better valves to connect to fire hydrants, this well-earned grant will help ensure they can continue to respond to any emergency quickly and efficiently.”
“Our hardworking firefighters put their lives on the line every day while protecting our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to announce these funds for the Niagara Engine Company No. 6, which will be able to purchase critical equipment to help first responders keep communities in Schoharie County safe. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that our local fire departments have the resources they need.”
“Our firefighters go into harm’s way to keep all of us safe and this funding will help ensure that they have the equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Marty Pierce, Chief, Niagara Engine Company No. 6.
The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s 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 AFG Program can be found here.