SCHUMER URGES DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO SUPPORT OGDENSBERG FIRE DEPARTMENT'S GRANT APPLICATION FOR FUNDING TO MODERNIZE FIRE STATION, ENHANCE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY

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U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today wrote to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security urging her to support the application from the Ogdensburg Fire Department for funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Fire Station Construction Grant Program. The funding will enable the Ogdensburg Fire Department to add important safety components, making its fire station more modern, safe, and efficient. 

 

"It is critical that we continue to equip our fire departments with the resources they need to keep our communities and first responders safe," said Schumer. "Securing funding for the Ogdensburg Fire Department would allow them to modernize their fire station in order to perform their mission safely and efficiently. I have consistently fought to support our fire departments through this grant program and I will continue to do so in the future."

 

The Ogdensburg Fire Department is comprised of thirtyone members who serve the 10,000 people in the City of Ogdensburg. The department not only provides emergency response services, but also regularly holds clinics to educate the community on child safety seats, rabies, and other issues of public concern. In order to continue to provide these vital services to the community, Ogdensburg need to upgrade its fire station and fire safety equipment.  

 

Schumer noted that with funding, the Ogdensburg Fire Department will be able to modernize its fire station by installing individual firefighters' gear racks, modifying the station's vehiclefirehouse exhaust system and implementing a carbon dioxide detector and sprinkler system.

 

In an effort to secure funding for the Fire Department to make these changes, Schumer today wrote to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano urging her to support the Department's application for funding. Schumer also wrote letters to the Secretary back in May supporting Ogdensburg's equipment and pumper requests.

 

In the letter he wrote, "These facility improvements are critical to maintaining the safety and security of both Ogdensburg's brave firefighters and the community, and I applaud the Ogdensburg Fire Department for its foresight. I hope the application for funding meets with your approval."

 

 

A full copy of the letter is below

 

     November 10, 2009

 

The Honorable Janet A. Napolitano

Secretary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Nebraska Avenue Center, NW

Washington, D.C. 20528

 

Dear Secretary:

           

            I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the Ogdensburg Fire Department for funding under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Fire Station Construction Grant Program. Such funding will enable the Ogdensburg Fire Department to add important safety components, making its fire station more modern, safe, and efficient. 

 

Located in the City of Ogdensburg in St. Lawrence County, New York, the Ogdensburg Fire Department is comprised of thirtyone members who serve a city of 10,000 people. The department not only provides emergency response services, but also regularly holds clinics to educate the community on child safety seats, rabies, and other issues of public concern. In order to continue to provide these vital services to the community, Ogdensburg need to upgrade its fire station and fire safety equipment.  

 

With funding, the Ogdensburg Fire Department will be able to modernize its fire station. This grant will enable Ogdensburg to install individual firefighters' gear racks, to modify the station's vehiclefirehouse exhaust system, implement a carbon dioxide detector and sprinkler system, and a lay a 650foot floor cover. These facility improvements are critical to maintaining the safety and security of both Ogdensburg's brave firefighters and the community, and I applaud the Ogdensburg Fire Department for its foresight. I hope the application for funding meets with your approval.

 

            Thank you for your consideration. For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington office at 202.224.6542.

 

     Sincerely,

 

 

 

     Charles E. Schumer

     United States Senator