U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $264,004 in federal funding for the East Rochester Volunteer Fire Department in Monroe County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and will be used to purchase a new radio system for the department.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security – which is why I will continue to do all that I can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency. This funding will do just that, by allowing the firefighters of the East Rochester Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new radio system so they are able to better communicate on the job.”
“Firefighters are often our first line of defense in emergencies, and it is critical that they have the equipment they need to help keep them safe as they protect our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With this federal funding, the East Rochester Volunteer Fire Department will be able to purchase a new radio system to help them safely and efficiently respond to emergencies, and I will always fight in the Senate to provide our local fire departments with the support they need.”
“This grant provides critical funds to update our radio system. Monroe County is changing their radio system so all of the current radios we have will be obsolete and this funding will greatly help in alleviating some of the cost of this mandatory upgrade,” said Neal Herk, East Rochester Fire Chief.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is 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 found here.