Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $235,973 in federal funding for three Hudson Valley fire departments. The Marlborough Fire District in Ulster County will receive $34,699, the Arlington Fire District in Dutchess County will receive $130,500 and the Sloatsburg Volunteer Fire Department in Rockland County will receive $70,774. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).
“These much-needed funds will allow three of our Hudson Valley Fire Departments to invest in the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and save lives,” said Senator Schumer. “Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our fire departments have the resources they need has always been a top priority of mine. Our firefighters are our local heroes—they protect our residents and our property. These funds will allow those heroes to continue their important work of keeping the community safe.”
“These are important investments for the Hudson Valley,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way, we need to make sure they have the right equipment to save lives. The Marlborough Fire District, Arlington Fire District and the Sloatsburg Volunteer Fire Department will use this funding to purchase critical, life-saving equipment that will help them better serve their communities and save more lives.”
“We are extremely excited about the additional federal funding for much needed equipment, which will help the firefighters of the Marlborough Fire District provide even better fire suppression and fire rescue capabilities to the townspeople of Marlboro and surrounding communities,” said Mark Ciaglia, Chairman, Marlborough Fire District. “With additional Thermal Imaging Cameras, firefighters will be better equipped to search for trapped victims, and Rapid Intervention Packs will allow a downed firefighter or trapped victim a much needed air supply during the extrication efforts. The suction hoses and associated equipment will better allow firefighters to use water in ponds, streams and other sources for firefighting efforts when there are no fire hydrants available. On behalf of the Marlborough Fire District, the Marlboro Hose Company #1, and the residents of the town of Marlboro, we are very grateful to Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, and the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.”
The Marlborough Fire District, located in Southeastern Ulster County, is completely volunteer-run and consists of more than 50 members. They will use this federal funding to purchase new thermal imaging cameras, emergency breathing equipment as well as suction hoses, to utilize alternative water sources when there are no fire hydrants in close proximity.
“The Arlington Fire District is thrilled to receive this crucial funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Since 1922, our dedicated staff has served the residents and visitors of Dutchess County,” said Tory Gallante, Chief, Arlington Fire Department. “We currently provide fire and emergency medical services to an estimated population of over 33,000 individuals, and respond to an average of 14 incidents a day. With these new resources, the Arlington Fire Department will be better prepared to protect the safety of the region. We are thankful to Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, Congressman Mahoney, and Congressman Gibson for their support.”
The Arlington Fire District is the largest of three fire departments to serve the town of Poughkeepsie. It is made up of 74 career and 90 volunteer firefighters who serve more than 33,000 residents. They will use this federal funding to purchase new life support cardiac monitors and defibrillators.
“The Sloatsburg Volunteer Fire Department is grateful to be a recipient of the 2013 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. We are an all-volunteer fire department serving a small village, and as is the case throughout the State, our budget for necessary equipment is incredibly tight,” said Matthew Stritmater, 2nd Assistant Chief, Sloatsburg Volunteer Fire Department. “We will be using the funds from this grant to purchase radio equipment so we can fully participate in the brand new, state-of-the-art Rockland County Public Safety Communications System. We would like to thank Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer and Congresswoman Lowey for their continued support of our department and the entire volunteer fire service.”
The Sloatsburg Fire Department is made up of 70 members who serve the Village of Sloatsburg and the Town of Ramapo. They will use this federal funding to purchase new radio equipment.
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/.