Funding from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance in Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is bringing more than $100,000 to fire departments in two New York counties.
The Richville Volunteer Fire Department in St. Lawrence County and the Whitesboro Fire Department in Oneida County will benefit, through respective grant awards of $61,905 and $47,620. In Richville’s case, the money will go toward replacing old breathing equipment for firefighters and bringing in 20 air bottles to supply fighters with clean air. Meanwhile, the funds sent to Whitesboro will replace the department’s diesel exhaust system to better remove chemicals pumped out by fire trucks and shield firefighters from exposure to them.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security. By allowing the courageous firefighters of the Richville Volunteer Fire Department to purchase new breathing equipment, this grant will help ensure their health and safety in any emergency.”
Martin Hassett, president of the Richville Volunteer Fire Department, noted that without the federal funds, they would not have had the funds to replace their breathing equipment. It will allow them to offset the cost of borrowing money. The Whitesboro addition, on the other hand, will actively protect its firefighters from carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Firefighters risk their lives to protect our communities, exposing themselves to dangerous chemicals in order to keep us all safe,” U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said. “This federal funding will allow the Whitesboro Fire Department to purchase new equipment that will help protect firefighters’ health and safety as they do their jobs, and I will always fight to make sure that our local fire departments have the resources they need.”
Grant funds are awarded on a competitive basis, given to applicants that demonstrate financial need and meet AFG program priorities.