Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 18, 2010

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES TWO DELAWARE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS WILL SHARE NEARLY $400,000 IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR VEHICLE ACQUISITION

Goal Is to Enhance First Responders' Ability to Protect the Health And Safety of the Public In Delaware 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 New York State

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that two Delaware County fire departments will share $380,000 as part of Round 4 of the FY09 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The two departments, Meridale Fire Department and Bovina Fire Department, each received a $190,000 grant. The funding will be used to acquire new first responder vehicles so they are better prepared to respond to local emergencies.

“Having the best vehicles so fire fighters and first responders can get to local emergencies in the safest and most effective fashion is critical,” said Schumer. “These dollars coming to these Delaware County 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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