U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $904,761.90 in federal funding for the Roosevelt Fire District in Dutchess 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 Roosevelt Fire District’s ladder truck with a brand new vehicle.
“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 Dutchess County are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security. By allowing the courageous firefighters of the Roosevelt Fire District to purchase a new ladder truck, this grant will help ensure they can respond to any emergency efficiently and safely.”
“We need to make sure our hardworking first responders are prepared when they face dangerous conditions and work to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will help the Roosevelt Fire District purchase a new ladder truck to replace their old vehicle. I will always fight to make sure that our local fire departments have the resources they need.”
“The Roosevelt Fire District thanks Senator Schumer and Gillibrand for their support of the AFG program and our grant application. This will replace the existing ladder truck with a state-of-the-art vehicle. This vital equipment provides needed capabilities for performing rescues in taller buildings, firefighting from elevated positions, and supporting firefighting operations with the full complement of equipment it carries. The new equipment will allow our volunteer firefighters to operate safer and support the firefighting operations in the District,” said Lew Darrow, Chief of Roosevelt Fire 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.