Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2009

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES TWO HUDSON VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENTS WILL RECEIVE $323,000 IN FEDERAL FIRE GRANTS

Nearly $400,000 Will Go to 5 Emergency Response Programs in NYS as Part of U.S. Department Of Homeland Security's Firefighters Grants Program

Schumer Has Continually Pushed for Funding to Assist Fire Departments and First Responders

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that two Hudson Valley fire departments have received federal grants totaling $323,000 from the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Highland Lake Fire Department in Sullivan County will receive a $218,500 grant and Town of Greenville Fire District in Orange County will be awarded $104,500. These grants are designed to strengthen the response programs of fire departments throughout the country and will be used towards the acquisition of much-needed vehicles.

"This federal money will help make sure that firefighters and emergency responders in Sullivan and Orange Counties get the resources they need to keep our communities safe," Schumer said. "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.”

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 2004, with the Fiscal Year 2008 awards, AFG has provided a total of almost $2.75 billion to first-responder organizations across the Country—and $185 million to New York—to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles.

The $323,000 in grant funding for the Highland Lake Fire Department and Town of Greenville Fire District comes as part of round 19 of the fiscal year 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program announcements.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) provides funding to local fire departments to help them 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.

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. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/ .

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