Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $42,356 in federal funding for the Taunton Volunteer Fire Department in Onondaga County. This federal funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).
“These much-needed federal funds will provide the assistance that Taunton Fire Department needs to replace critical equipment like their air filling station for their breathing apparatus. First responders are our primary line of defense – they safeguard our residents and protect our property. It’s crucial that we provide our fire departments support to purchase the equipment they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability,” said Senator Schumer
“This is an important investment to ensure Taunton Fire Department has the right equipment necessary to not only save lives, but protect themselves when they go into harm’s way,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will help provide the critical tools and resources they need to better serve the community and keep families safe.”
“We are very pleased to receive this Assistance to Firefighters Grant so we can replace our twenty year old Self-contained Breathing Apparatus filling station with a brand new one,” said Taunton Volunteer Fire Department Chief, Kevin Spraker. “This will help us further ensure the safety of our fire fighters and be able to better serve our residents. This is great news and we’d like to thank Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer for their help”
Founded in 1947, the Taunton Fire Department is located in the Town of Onondaga in upstate New York. The department has over 30 volunteer fighters. With this federal funding, the Taunton Fire Department will be able to replace their SCBA compressor fill station. This funding will help the department comply with federal regulations and better protect those who serve with the Taunton Fire Department. Last year, the Taunton Fire Department responded to over 700 fire and emergency calls in areas including Onondaga Hill, Howlett Hill, South Onondaga, Nedrow, Fairmount, Solvay and Camillus.
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/ .
A copy of Senator Schumer’s and Senator Gillibrand’s letters are attached.