U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $22,329 in federal funding for the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company Inc. in the town of Hamburg in Erie County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company Inc. will use the federal funding to purchase vehicle extrication equipment that will help first responders quickly remove victims from vehicles and enclosed spaces quickly during emergencies.
“It is critical that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial provide them with these cutting-edge tools they need so they can continue their important work of saving lives.”
“These federal funds will help the brave men and women who risk their lives every day in the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company Inc. Fire Department,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to make sure that whenever our firefighters enter a dangerous situation, they have the equipment and resources they need to do their jobs well and keep their communities safe. I was proud to fight for this funding, and I will continue to urge my colleagues to support our local fire departments across the state.”
“We’re all extremely grateful to the Department of Homeland Security and our congressional representatives for continuing to fund this grant program,” said Scranton Volunteer Fire Company President, Mike Quinn. “This funding will allow us to purchase new vehicle extrication equipment to help our first responders keep our community as safe as possible.”
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. Funding is allocated to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.