FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2010

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES UNADILLA FORKS FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL RECEIVE OVER $82,000 IN FEDERAL FIRE GRANTS FOR OPERATIONS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Goal Is to Enhance First Responders' Ability to Protect the Health And Safety of the Public In Herkimer County

Schumer Says Funds Will Help The Fire Department Pay for Improvements During Difficult Fiscal Times

Schumer Has Successfully Pushed for Additional Funding for Assistance to Fire Departments and First Responders

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Unadilla Forks Fire Department has received federal grants totaling $82,935 as part of Round 5 of the FY09 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding will be used improve operations and safety.

"We can never fully repay our firefighters for all that they provide, but we can give them the funding they need to do remain safe and protected," said Schumer. "This grant will go a long way in maintaining operations and safety at Unadilla Forks Fire Department; something especially important during an economic pinch that shrinks their funding. I will fight to keep grants like this one coming to New York."

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.
 
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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