Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2009

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $113,000 FIRE GRANT TO SHUSHAN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Federal Funds Will Be Used for Training, Equipment, and Health and Safety Projects

Schumer: By Supporting Our Local Volunteer Firefighters, We Are Protecting Our Communities

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded a total of $113,575 through a FY 08 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Shushan Volunteer Fire Company. Funding will be used for operations and safety initiatives, including training, equipment, and health and safety projects.

"It is critical that we continue to equip our emergency response units with the resources they need to keep our communities safe," said Schumer. "Providing the Shushan Volunteer Fire Company with these funds will ensure that firefighters in Washington County have the equipment necessary to perform their mission safely and efficiently. I have consistently fought to support our fire departments through this grant program and I will continue to do so in the future."

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 grant for the Shushan Volunteer Fire Company is part of round 44 of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program announcements.

The Department of Homeland Security’s AFG program is an important component of the Administration’s larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the Nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards. Since 2004, AFG has provided a total of almost $2.75 billion to first-responder organizations to purchase response

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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