U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $115,745 in federal funding for the Potsdam Fire Department in St. Lawrence County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The Potsdam Fire Department will invest these funds in standardizing the fleet of fire apparatus. Specifically, it will outfit these trucks with large diameter hose, which allow for greater volumes of water to flow when extinguishing and managing fires.
“This much-needed funding will provide our Potsdam firefighters with the funding they need to purchase the critical equipment they need to protect the community and keep residents safe,” said Senator Schumer. “First responders are our primary line of defense – they put their lives on the line each day for the safety of our residents. That is why it is crucial we provide them with the resources they need to continue their important and life-saving work.”
“We must ensure that our first responders who put themselves in harm’s way have the most up-to-date equipment they need to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Potsdam Fire Department will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help firefighters during emergency situations.”
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 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.firegrantsupport.com/.