Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $61,760 in federal funding for Goshen Fire District in Orange County. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and will be used to purchase a new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) fill station. Both Senators Schumer and Gillibrand wrote letters to Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate in support of the department’s application.
“With this funding, Goshen firefighters can focus on ensuring the safety of the community without fearing for their own protection,” said Senator Schumer. “These breathing packs are an investment in our local heroes. It is crucial we provide our first responders with the cutting-edge equipment they need to do their jobs and save lives.”
“This investment will help the Goshen Fire District continue to save lives while protecting themselves,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way, it’s our job to ensure they have the right equipment and I am pleased the Goshen Fire District will get funding for critical equipment that will help them continue to serve their community safely.”
“We are very pleased to receive this federal grant to replace our older model compressor used to fill our SCBA air bottles,” said Al Turi, Jr. Chairman, Board of Commissioners, Goshen Fire District . “The money will be put to good use for this equipment needed by the Goshen Fire District and our neighboring fire companies.”
The Goshen Fire District was founded in 1843, and is currently operated by 180 volunteer first responders. The Goshen Fire District averages more than 800 calls per year and serve more than 10,500 residents. They will use this federal funding to purchase a new self-contained breathing apparatus fill station, which will have the capability to fill 4,500 SCBA tanks. This new fill station will allow the fire department to replace their 27 year-old fill station and fill tanks at a level that isn’t currently achievable.
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.fema.gov/firegrants.
Full text of Senator Schumer and Gillibrand’s letters to FEMA Administrator Fugate are attached.