Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $19,088 in federal funding for the Westville Volunteer Fire Department. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Westville Volunteer Fire Department located in Franklin County will purchase replacement fire hose and related attachments.
“With this funding, our Westville firefighters can focus on their critical, life-saving work knowing they have new and reliable equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide them with the resources and up-to-date tools they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”
“These federal funds will allow our fire departments to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“The grant will help us with the ever increasing cost of purchasing fire equipment,” said Jamie Gratton, President of the Westville Volunteer Fire Department. “The funding will also help to keep us in compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations and safety standards.”
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.