SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $171K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR TWO FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN WESTERN NEW YORK

Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $171,980.94 in federal funding for two fire departments in Western New York. Specifically, Armor Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. in Erie County will receive $146,742.85 and will use the funding to purchase new air packs, oxygen bottles, and air masks. The department currently uses 25-year-old air packs. The City of Olean Fire Department in Cattaraugus County will receive $25,238.09 and will use the funding for water rescue training. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders across Western New York are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security – it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency. This federal funding will do just that, by allowing the Armor Volunteer Fire Company to purchase new breathing equipment and the City of Olean Fire Department to expand its training operations.”

“Our first responders defend and protect their communities, and we need to do everything we can to ensure that they can stay safe and be prepared to respond to emergencies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am excited to announce this funding for the Armor Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. and the Olean Fire Department, which will provide critical support to our firefighters as they work to keep our communities safe. I will always fight in the Senate for the resources that our local fire departments need.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency 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. The funding will be used to support the operations and safety of fire departments, which could include providing professional training, purchasing wellness programs equipment and personal protective equipment, and upgrading facilities and supplies. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be found here.

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