Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $140,000 For Coventry Emergency Squad

Jul 21, 2014

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $143,925 in federal funding for the Coventry Emergency Squad in Chenango County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The Coventry Emergency Squad will use these federal funds to purchase a new ambulance.

“These much-needed funds will allow the Coventry Emergency Squad to invest in the new ambulance they need to do their jobs effectively and save lives,” said Senator Schumer. “Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our fire departments have the resources and equipment they need has always been a top priority of mine. These funds will allow our local heroes to continue their important work of keeping the community safe.”

“This federal funding will greatly benefit the Coventry Emergency Squad,” said Senator Gillibrand. “First responders work to save lives every day and that is why it is important to make sure they have access to state-of-the-art equipment. This new ambulance will help the Coventry Emergency Squad run more efficiently and perform at the highest level possible.”

“With this grant we will be able to upgrade our number one piece of equipment, our ambulance,” said Kyle Wearne, Squad Captain and COO, Coventry Emergency Squad. “With this upgrade we will get to continue our quest to provide the best possible pre-hospital care with the least amount of interrupted service.”

The Coventry Emergency Squad, Inc. is located in Chenango County and is operated by a completely volunteer force who provide emergency medical services. They will use this federal funding to purchase a new ambulance, to provide better, safer emergency care.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are 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 accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.