Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $479,465 in federal funding for three fire departments in the Southern Tier. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). Specifically, the Harpursville Fire Department will receive $354,410 to purchase new communications equipment. The Campbell Fire District #1 will receive $67,912 to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. The Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company will receive $57,143 to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary 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.”
“These federal funds will allow our first responders to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect our first responders when they risk their lives, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure they are given the support they deserve.”
“This regional grant funding for emergency services in the Town of Colesville will greatly benefit four of our local fire departments and one ambulance squad. The funding will allow us to purchase new communications equipment, which will keep our emergency responders safer and enable us to better serve Harpursville and Broome county residents and visitors,” said Jeffrey Buckler, Chief of Harpursville Fire Department.
“This funding will be used to replace our Department’s aging SCBA equipment. Replacing this critical safety gear will help protect Fly Creek’s firefighters when they are responding to emergency calls,” said Chief Michael Thayer, Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company
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.