Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $249,048 in federal funding for the Town of Brownville Joint Fire District, which encompasses the Town of Brownville Fire Department, the Glen Park Village Fire Department, and the Chaumont Volunteer Fire Department in Jefferson County, N.Y. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, and will be used to replace 50 of the Fire District’s 15 to 20 year old air packs.
“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary 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 allow first responders in the Town of Brownville Joint Fire District to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our first responders risk their lives to protect us, and I will always fight to make sure that our local fire departments have the support they need to keep their communities safe.”
“We’re very excited for this grant. It saves taxpayers in the three towns by not placing the burden on them to replace our 15-20 year old air packs. The cost of purchasing and training is so high and we’re just glad to get some assistance from the AFG program,” said District Fire Chief, Steve Mott.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security 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. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be found here.