Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $29,973 in federal funding for Brier Hill Fire District in St. Lawrence County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).
“These much-needed federal funds will provide the assistance that Brier Hill Fire District needs to replace critical equipment. First responders are our primary line of defense – they safeguard our residents and protect our property. It’s crucial that we provide our fire departments support to purchase the equipment they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability,” said Senator Schumer.
“This is a much needed investment for our local fire department,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Brier Hill Fire District will use this investment to purchase critical, life-saving equipment. This funding will provide the tools they need to better serve their community and save more lives.”
“Thank you to all who are involved with this program,” said Shawn Macaulay, Chief, Brier Hill Fire District. “Without this program, small departments like ourselves would not to be able afford much needed equipment to protect our citizens as well as the people traveling through our highways.”
The Brier Hill Fire District in St. Lawrence County has more than 40 volunteer firefighters who respond to more than 160 calls per year. They will use the federal funding to purchase new rescue equipment called “jaws of life”, which are used to extract trapped individuals from motor vehicles and include cutters, rams and spreaders. The department’s current rescue equipment is not capable of cutting though newer cars.
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/ .