U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $268,809.52 in federal funding for the Monticello Joint Fire District in Sullivan County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and will be used to upgrade 40 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) devices with spare bottles and masks, which help firefighters breathe clean air.
“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 in Sullivan County are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security. By allowing the courageous firefighters of the Monticello Joint Fire District to purchase new breathing equipment, this grant will help ensure their health and safety in any emergency.”
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day while protecting our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to announce these funds for the Monticello Joint Fire District, which will be able to purchase critical equipment to help first responders breathe clean air as they keep communities safe. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that our local fire departments have the resources they need to do their jobs safely.”
“We are very grateful to the Department of Homeland Security, Senator Schumer, and Senator Gillibrand for awarding us with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. This grant allows us to upgrade 40 self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) that will replace our masks and cylinders. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant allows fire departments like ours to continue to grow and serve our community,” said Marc Friedland, Fire Chief of Monticello Fire Department.
The 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 AFG Program can be found here.
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