Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2011

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $133,000 IN FEDERAL FIRE GRANT FOR A.E. CRANDELL HOOK & LADDER CO; FUNDING FOR HIGH FREQUENCY RADIO EQUIPMENT

Funding Comes From DHS AFG Program That Promotes Effective Firefighting Operations

A.E. Crandell Hook & Ladder Company will use funds to Upgrade Mobile Radio Units; Improve Communication for Firefighters, EMS, and Critical Support Staff

Schumer Has Continually Pushed for Funding to Assist Fire Departments and First Responders

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the A.E. Crandell Hook & Ladder Company, in Alfred, will receive a grant totaling $133,603 in Round 1 of the FY11 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG awards are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and are designed to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The A.E. Crandell Hook & Ladder Company will use this funding to upgrade to a high frequency radio system in an effort to improve communication between fire fighters, EMS staff, and other critical support staff.

“This investment will be a big help the A.E. Crandell Hook & Ladder Co and all of Allegany County, as first responders will be better equipped to quickly and safely respond to emergencies in the area,” said Schumer. “These funds will also guarantee that our local heroes have the critically important radio systems that allow our first responders to continue to do their life-saving work locally and in conjunction with our neighbors in northern Pennsylvania.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) 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.

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