Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce +$440K In Federal Funding For The Pelham Fire Department In Westchester County

Sep 13, 2019

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $440,053.95 in federal funding for the Pelham Fire Department in Westchester County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. The Pelham Fire Department will use the funding to hire new firefighters.

“Whether it’s a fire, flood, car accident, or when disaster strikes, we depend on these local heroes to keep us safe, and they depend on us to give them the resources they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding will allow the Pelham Fire Department to grow its ranks, which will help ensure that they can respond to any emergency quickly and efficiently. I’m proud to announce this federal investment, and will continue fighting to ensure that fire departments across the Hudson Valley and Upstate New York have the tools and resources they need.” 

“I am proud to announce this funding for the Pelham Fire Department, which will be able to add new firefighters to its team,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our hardworking firefighters risk their lives every day when responding to emergencies, and this funding will help keep communities in Westchester County safe. I will do everything I can to ensure that our local fire departments have the resources they need.”

“We are so grateful for the support of Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand in helping us obtain this grant. The SAFER Grant is a vital tool for delivering vital emergency services and will strengthen our fire department,” said Chance Mullen, Mayor of Village of Pelham.

The SAFER grant program was established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. More information can be found here. 

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