Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2010

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY WILL RECEIVE OVER $100,000 IN FEDERAL FIRE GRANT FOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Goal Is to Enhance First Responder's Ability to Protect the Health And Safety of the Public In Chautauqua County

Schumer Says Federal Grant Will Help Upstate New York Fire Districts Pay for Improvements During Difficult Fiscal Times

Schumer Has Successfully Pushed for Additional Funding for Assistance to Fire Departments and First Responders Across Mayville and Chautauqua

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Village of Mayville Fire Department and Chautauqua Fire District in Chautauqua County have received a federal grant totaling $109,868 as part of Round 3 of the FY09 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding will be used to improve operations and safety at Village of Mayville Fire Department, which received $32,300 and the Chautauqua Fire District, which received 77,568, so they are better prepared for emergencies.

“Having the updated equipment is critical so that fire fighters and first responders can do their job in the safest and most effective fashion,” said Schumer. “These dollars coming to Chautauqua fire departments will help us ensure that they have that equipment.”

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. The Operations and Firefighter Safety Program funds can go towards training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program 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.

Schumer added: “We must make certain that our first responders have the resources they need to save lives, especially in these times of economic strife where many of our programs suffer. I am continuing to work hard to keep those in New York safe and I am grateful for those who protect our wonderful state.”

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.

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