Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 28, 2005

Schumer Announces Nearly $3 Million In Federal Grants Coming To New York Fire Departments

Schumer: 37 Emergency Response Programs Across New York State will Receive Nearly $3 Million as Part of U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Fire Grant Program

Schumer says Federal Grants will Help Fire Departments and Organizations pay for Improvements During Difficult Fiscal Times

Schumer has Pushed for Additional Funding for Assistance to Fire Departments and First Responders

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that 37 fire departments across the state of New York have received federal grants totaling $2,963,115 from the 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The fire departments will use the grant for operations and safety initiatives.

“This funding will go a long way in supporting fire departments in New York,” said Schumer. “We can never truly repay our firefighters and first responders for their heroic efforts and dedication to duty. However, we can ensure that they have the training, equipment and resources they need to do their job well. This is even more necessary when local budget cuts are leaving them without enough funding. This federal money will help make sure that New York firefighters get the resources they need to keep us safe.”

The grants for are part of the seventh round of DHS FY05 grants to thousands of fire departments throughout the country. Each of the 37 fire departments will use the grants to support operations and safety programs within their organization.

Schumer was among the first senators who recognized the need for the federal government to establish a funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of equipment and fire prevention. Since its inception in 2001, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program has delivered over $111 million to New York’s fire departments.

Schumer found that the Administration’s cut to the program in their federal budget for FY05 could shortchange New York emergency response programs by $16 million. In response, Schumer urged the Congress and White House to bolster the Administration’s proposal by sending the full $900 million originally promised by Congress.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) assists local fire departments in programs and activities to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.

“This grant ensures that New York firefighters continue to have the basic resources they require to do their jobs, improve safety and save lives” said Schumer. "Local fire departments have been strained from budget cuts, rising costs of equipment and stress from being on heightened alert because of the war on terrorism. These funds are truly a life saving investment will that provide local fire departments with essential resources and support, so they can be better prepared for emergencies.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security 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. For more information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, please visit the website at http://www.firegrantsupport.com.

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