U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $119,142.85 in federal funding for the Hurleyville Fire Company & District in Sullivan 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 16 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) devices with spare bottles and masks, which help firefighters breathe clean air.
“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 Sullivan County are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security. By allowing the courageous firefighters of the Hurleyville Fire Company & District to purchase new breathing equipment, this grant will help ensure their health and safety in any emergency.”
“I am proud to announce this funding for the Hurleyville Fire Company & District, which will be able to replace old SCBA packs so that our hardworking firefighters can breathe safely while they protect our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our firefighters risk their lives every day when responding to local emergencies, and I will do everything I can in the Senate to ensure that they have the resources needed to do their jobs safely.”
“We are very grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for securing us with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. This grant allows us to upgrade and replace 16 self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), along with masks and cylinders. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant allows fire departments like ours to continue to grow and serve our community,” said George Price, Commissioner of Hurleyville Fire Company & District.
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.