U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $46,834 in federal funding for the Richmondville Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. in Schoharie County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Richmondville Volunteer Fire Company will use the federal funding to purchase seven Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs, spare tanks and face masks to keep firefighters safe when responding to emergencies.
“With this funding, the brave first responders of the Richmondville Volunteer Fire Company can focus on their important work knowing they have reliable protective equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment will help ensure our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as effectively and safely as possible.”
“These federal funds will help provide the first responders of the Richmondville Volunteer Fire Company with the equipment they need to do their work effectively and safely,” said Senator Gillibrand. “They put their lives on the line every day, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they have what they need to protect their communities while also protecting themselves. I was proud to write a letter of support for these vitally important federal funds, and I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure more of our local fire departments have the equipment and resources they need.”
“The Richmondville Volunteer Fire Company is very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand in continuing to support the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The grant our company has received provides the ability for us to update crucial firefighting safety equipment that enables firefighters to perform an interior attack to a fire scene to protect our volunteers and community. This grant is an invaluable benefit to our community,” said Eric Haslun, President of the Richmondville Volunteer Fire Company.
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.