Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $67,140 in federal funding for the Barnard Fire Department. These federal dollars will be used by the Barnard Fire District 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 Greece,” 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.”
“The Barnard Fire District is appreciative for all of Senator Gillibrand’s efforts on our behalf,” said James F. Gallagher, Assistant Chief, Barnard Fire District. “The grant will allow the District to replace old, patched and ill-fitting coats and jackets with properly fitted outfits that meet today’s standards for emergency response. This grant will significantly increase the District’s ability to protect firefighters responding to more than 800 fire, Hazmat and rescue emergencies each year.”
In a letter from October of last year to FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate, Senator Gillibrand expressed her support for Barnard Fire District’s grant application. These funds, provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program of DHS and FEMA, will go to replacing old and outdated emergency response outfits, ensuring that Greece’s first responders are fully protected from fire, chemicals and other contaminants.
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.