Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 18, 2010

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES ANGELICA FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL RECEIVE ALMOST $60,000 IN FEDERAL FIRE GRANT FOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Goal Is to Enhance First Responders' Ability to Protect the Health And Safety of the Public In Allegany 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 the Angelica Fire Department has received $59,753 as part of Round 4 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 the Angelica Fire Department so they are better prepared to respond to local emergencies. Senator Schumer wrote a letter to DHS Secretary Napolitano in support of the department’s request. The full text of the letter is below.

“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 the Angelica Fire Department 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.

###

June 17, 2009

The Honorable Janet A. Napolitano

Secretary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Nebraska Avenue Center, NW

Washington, D.C. 20528

Dear Secretary:

I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the Angelica Fire Department for funding under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (Application No. EMW-2009-FO-00962). Such funding will enable the Angelica Fire Department to purchase new protective firefighter turnout gear.

The Angelica Fire Department is a volunteer organization that serves the 2,500 residents of Angelica, Allen, Birdsall, and West Almond in Allegany County, New York. The eighty member department is also responsible for over 200 miles of two-lane highway.

With funding, the Angelica Fire Department will be able to purchase 50 new sets of fire-fighting safety turnout gear. This new gear will replace gear sets that are mismatched, tearing, and damaged. I applaud the Angelica Fire Department for its foresight, and I hope the application for funding meets with your approval.

Thank you for your consideration. For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Grants Director, Grant Kerr, in my Washington office at 202.224.6542.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

###

Resource Center