Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2012

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $35,000 FEDERAL GRANT FOR ERIN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT; INVESTMENT MEANS VITAL COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Funding Comes From DHS AFG Program That Promotes Effective Firefighting Operation
Erin Volunteer Fire Will Use Funds to Purchase New High Band Radios For Volunteers
Schumer Has Continually Pushed for Funding to Assist Fire Departments and First Responders

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Erin Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grant totaling $35,937 in Round 13 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 Erin Volunteer Fire Department, in Steuben County, will use this funding to purchase high band radios for better communication. Schumer’s announcement comes just before Steuben moves to a high band frequency for their radios.

"This investment is great news for the Erin Volunteer Fire Department, as it means that first responders will be better equipped to quickly and safely respond to emergencies in the region,” said Schumer. “These funds will help ensure that our local heroes have the critically important communications equipment that enables them to respond faster to fires, and allows them to continue to do their life-saving work as efficiently and safely as possible.”

Schumer was a sponsor of the legislation that led to the creation of this 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.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are 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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