Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2009

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $100,000 IN FIRE GRANTS COMING TO NIAGARA COUNTY FIRST RESPONDERS

Over $1.7 Million Will Go to 28 Emergency Response Programs Across 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 today announced that a total of $100,703 in grants will be awarded to two Niagara County fire departments through the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The South Wilson Volunteer Fire Company will receive $25,291 and the Gasport Chemical Hose Company will receive $75,412. In May, Senator Schumer wrote a letter of support for the Gasport Chemical Hose Company. These grants are designed to strengthen the response programs of fire departments throughout the country.

"This federal money will help Niagara County firefighters respond to emergencies in the area quickly and effectively," Schumer said. "We can never fully repay our local heroes for their efforts but we can ensure that they have the training and equipment 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 to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles.

The grants for the Western New York emergency response programs are part of round 23 of the 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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