Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 9, 2012

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $512,000 FEDERAL GRANT FOR CROTON FALLS FIRE DISTRICT; INVESTMENT TO RETAIN AND RECRUIT NEW FIREFIGHTERS

Funding Comes From Schumer-Supported DHS SAFER Program That Promotes Effective Firefighting Operation

Croton Falls Fire District Will Use Funds To Secure More Firefighter Jobs and Enhance Recruitment

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

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Croton Falls Fire District will receive a grant totaling $512,296 in Round 9 of the FY11 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program- Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER). SAFER awards are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and are designed to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation’s overall level of preparedness. Specifically, Croton Falls Fire District will use the funding to fund new firefighters and recruit new candidates through media advertising in Croton Falls, South Salem, North Salem, Somers, Pound Ridge, Lewisboro and Goldens Bridge.

"With these funds, Croton Falls residents can rest easy knowing even more firefighters stand at the ready to protect their community,” said Schumer. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes have the personnel on their team to work as efficiently and effectively as possible to save lives. This grant will allow Croton Falls to continue to recruit the best and the brightest.”

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 goal of the SAFER grant program is to enhance the ability of grantees to attain and maintain 24-hour staffing and to assure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire related hazards. The objective of the program is to award grants directly to volunteer, combination and career fire departments to help the departments increase the number of frontline firefighters, and to rehire firefighters who were laid off due to the economy.

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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