U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $36,667 in federal funding for the North Hoosick Fire Department in Rensselaer County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the North Hoosick Fire Department will use the federal funding to replace out-of-date protective turnout gear for its firefighters.
“With this funding, the brave first responders of the North Hoosick Falls Fire Department can focus on their important work with the confidence that they have reliable and protective equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “This grant will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as efficiently and safely as possible.”
“We must ensure that our first responders have the most up-to-date protective equipment available,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal funds would allow the North Hoosick Falls Fire Department to replace their old equipment and purchase new turnout gear so they can do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting our communities. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“The turn out gear has to be replaced every 10 years. This gear has not been replaced since 2006. Without this grant we would not have been able to replace this gear. This grant is huge,” Alan Bornt, North Hoosick Falls Fire Chief.
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. Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency 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.