Press Release

Gillibrand Announces More Than $211,000 For Albany Fire Department

Feb 23, 2011

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $211,269 in federal funding for the Albany Fire Department. These federal dollars will be used by the Albany Fire Department for equipment vital to the firefighter’s safety. The funding is allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“This is a great investment for Albany,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This federal investment will help improve the fire department’s equipment, help local firefighters do their work and keep families safe. I will continue working to ensure our first responders have the tools and resources they need to keep our communities safe.”

“Under these difficult economic times we are very happy and pleased and enthusiastic about receiving this needed fire equipment for our firefighters safety and we thank Senator Gillibrand for her continued support and advocacy for firefighters.” Robert C. Forezzi, Sr, Chief, Albany Fire Department.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by DHS and FEMA, is part of an effort to increase the nation’s emergency response preparation. This program provides federal funding to first responder organizations for the acquisition of personal protective equipment, firefighting vehicles, and emergency response equipment. The funds will also help provide emergency response training to firefighters.