Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $155,000 for Homer Fire Department in Cortland County

Sep 8, 2014

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $158,555 in federal funding for the Homer Fire Department in Cortland County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and will be used to purchase 20 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

“These much-needed funds will allow the Homer Fire Department to invest in the breathing equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and save lives,” said Senator Schumer. “Our firefighters are our local heroes—they protect our residents and our property. These much-needed funds will allow those heroes to continue their important work of keeping the community safe.”

“Providing critical, life-saving equipment to fire stations like the Homer Fire Department is a top priority,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Supporting the brave first responders who volunteer their time and efforts will enable them to perform their duties with greater ease and will help the station run more efficiently.”

“This award will allow the Homer Fire Department to replace SCBA that are currently more than 15 years old and do not comply with new standards and regulations,” said Chief Robert Johnson, Homer Fire Department. “The Fire Department currently has 39 SCBA, of which 12 meet acceptable standards, while the remaining ones do not. This is the third FEMA grant that the Homer Fire Department has received since 2003, totaling nearly $250,000.00.”

The Homer Fire Department serves more than 13,000 people throughout the Village of Homer, the Town of Homer, the Town of Scott, Town of Summerhill, and the Town of Cortlandville. They will use this federal funding to purchase 20 new self-contained breathing apparatus, which will replace their current, outdated equipment.

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.firegrantsupport.com/.