Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $993,314.29 in federal funding for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Foundation. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and will specifically be used to help implement a fire safety outreach and education program and install fire alarms in low-income homes. Earlier this year, Senator Gillibrand led a letter of support urging the Department of Homeland Security to approve this funding.
“Whether it’s a fire or any other emergency, we depend on the local heroes of the FDNY to come to our aid, 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 FDNY Foundation to provide fire safety education and critical equipment, including fire alarms, to vulnerable communities throughout New York City, which will help ensure the safety of New Yorkers in the event of a fire. I’m proud to announce this federal funding to support the FDNY’s mission to prevent fires in the first place and I will continue working to make sure New York City’s first responders have what they need.”
“Our hardworking New York City firefighters are among the first to respond to emergencies, and I’m happy to announce this new funding that will help them keep our communities safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With this federal investment, the FDNY Foundation will be able to install fire alarms in the homes of some of our most vulnerable community members, and educate communities on safe procedures in case of a fire. I was proud to fight on behalf of the FDNY Foundation for this funding, and I will do everything I can to ensure that our local fire departments have the resources they need.”
“The FDNY and the FDNY Foundation are beyond thrilled to receive Federal funding to implement this fire safety program. It will help further the FDNY’s mission to promote fire safe behaviors, especially in vulnerable communities. Our program includes outreach, messaging and education to remind New Yorkers that working smoke alarms save lives. We are so grateful to Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, and the entire New York delegation for their unwavering support of the FDNY,” said Jean O’Shea, Executive Director, FDNY Foundation.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s 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. The funding will be used to support the operations and safety of fire departments, which could include providing professional training, purchasing wellness programs equipment and personal protective equipment, and upgrading facilities and supplies. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be found here.
The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter may be found here and below.
The Honorable Pete T. Gaynor
Acting Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
Dear Acting Administrator Gaynor,
I write in support of the application submitted by the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Foundation for funding from the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (AFG) Program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This funding will be used to provide educational intervention and door-to-door installations of working, tamper-proof fire and carbon monoxide alarms in New York’s most fire-vulnerable communities through their “Fire is Everyone’s Fight: Get Alarmed NYC Community Alarm Program.”
The FDNY is the largest fire department in the United States. It consists of approximately 11,000 uniformed fire personnel, 4,400 EMS personnel, and 1,925 civilian personnel who serve in the world’s busiest and most highly-skilled emergency response agency. The FDNY Foundation collaborates with FDNY on programs that educate New Yorkers by promoting safe practices and techniques in fire safety and prevention, increasing safety for the public and the first-responders.
The requested funding will be used to assist New Yorkers in getting fire safety alarms. This initiative will include installing alarms in homes in areas that have high rates of poverty and increased fire risk. This funding will allow the FDNY to increase safety for New Yorkers across the city by making safety guidance available in multiple languages and providing critical installations of fire safety systems for those in need.
I ask that you please give this application full consideration. If you have any questions, or desire further information, please do not hesitate to contact my staff member, Dominic Sanchez, at (202) 244-4451.
Sincerely,