Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Nearly $50,000 Federal Grant for City of Corning Fire Department

Mar 28, 2013

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the City of Corning Fire Department is set to receive $47,500 in federal funding to purchase a new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air compressor to replace their currently outdated one. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. 

“With these funds, Corning firefighters will have the proper equipment to safely respond to emergencies in the region,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes have an up-to-date air compressor which will enable them to respond faster and more effectively to fires, and allow them to continue to do their life-saving work as efficiently and safely as possible.”

“This is an important investment for the City of Corning Fire Department,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s our responsibility to ensure our first responders have the most up-to-date equipment to serve our communities.  The new SCBA compressor will help the City of Corning Fire Department respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively, and help save more lives.” 

“We will be using an air compressor to fill the SCBA units for our fire department and the 6-8 area fire departments we also assist,” City of Corning Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Bump said.  “Our current compressor is at least 21 years old and this funding will be a great help to us.”

The City of Corning Fire Department has been serving the community since 1896. Currently, the fire department is staffed by 17 full-time and 11-part time firefighters who will use the new air compressor to replace an old, obsolete model so firefighters can operate under safer and more efficient conditions.

Schumer was an original sponsor of the legislation that led to the creation of this funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of equipment and fire prevention. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program funds can go towards training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists local fire departments in programs and activities to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.

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/ .