U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $165,024 in federal funding for the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Poughkeepsie Fire Dept. will use these federal funds to purchase personal protective equipment for its fire fighters. This includes jackets, pants, helmets, gloves, and more – everything needed to create a protective envelope for firefighters. According to the department, its current gear is roughly 10 years old and, because Poughkeepsie is a busy and urban department, it has taken its toll on the fire fighters’ gear.
“It is critical that we provide our local fire departments with the most up-to-date equipment they need to keep our citizens safe and do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide them with the resources and cutting-edge protective gear they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”
“Our first responders are on the frontlines during emergencies and this federal funding would allow the Poughkeepsie Fire Department to invest in critical protective equipment for first responders to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively in the community,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our firefighters should have the most up-to-date equipment when they respond to emergencies.”
“We’re are extremely grateful for the AFG funding program, it provides our department with funds that are vital to our department. Being a busy urban department, our personal protective equipment is close to a decade old and has taken a beating, therefore, this funding is essential to the safety and wellbeing of our firefighters,” said Mark Johnson, Fire Chief for the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Dept.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are 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 accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.