U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $292,697.04 in federal funding for five fire departments in Central New York. Specifically, the Caughdenoy Volunteer Fire Department will receive $159,428.57, the Smithfield Eaton Volunteer Ambulance Corp. will receive $33,812.38, the Tully Joint Fire District will receive $18,912.38, the City of Utica will receive $15,781.81 and the Woodgate Volunteer Fire Department will receive $64,761.90. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
“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 in Central New York and across the state are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security—it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day while protecting their communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am happy to announce these funds for fire departments in Central Square, Morrisville, Tully, Utica, and Forestport, which will help first responders as they brave emergencies and help keep New Yorkers safe. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that our local fire departments have the resources they need.”
A breakdown and description of the federal grant awards are provided below:
|
Award Recipient |
Award Amount |
County |
Purpose |
|
Caughdenoy Volunteer Fire Department Inc |
$159,428.57 |
Oswego |
To purchase new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) and bottles |
|
Smithfield Eaton Volunteer Ambulance Corp |
$33,812.38 |
Madison |
To purchase 12 EKG Monitors with defibrillators |
|
Tully Joint Fire District |
$18,912.38 |
Onondaga |
To purchase new fire hoses and nozzles |
|
City of Utica |
$15,781.81 |
Oneida |
To purchase new fire hoses and nozzles |
|
Woodgate Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. |
$64,761.90 |
Oneida |
Operations and safety |
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant 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.