U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $166,667 in federal funding for the Mount Hope Fire Company, a volunteer department located in Orange County. The funding was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Mount Hope Fire Company will use this funding to upgrade its Scotts-Paks, breathing devices worn by firefighters when they enter the scene of an emergency.
“With this funding, the first responders of the Mount Hope Fire Company can focus on their important work knowing they have new, reliable and protective equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as effectively and safely as possible.”
“These federal funds will allow the Mount Hope Fire Company to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they work to protect our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect the men and women who risk their lives every day in the face of danger, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our fire departments are funded and equipped.”
“We’re very appreciative of our elected officials that have kept this type of grant system alive and well for the people that we protect and serve. We do this for the community, our families, friends, and neighbors. As the president, I would like to thank the members of the Mount Hope Fire Company for their dedication to volunteer and serve the community,” said Lou Dodd, President of the Mount Hope Fire Company.
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. Funding is allocated to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.
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