Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $1.1m In Federal Funding For Ten Western New York Fire Departments

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,157,507 in federal funding for ten Western New York fire departments. Specifically, the Cambria Volunteer Fire Co. will receive $144,247, the Depew Volunteer Fire Department will receive $319,667, the Little Valley Fire Joint District will receive $36,667, the Newton Abbott Fire Company will receive $251,844, the North Java Fire Department will receive $95,048, the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company will receive $26,191, the River Road Fire District Number 3 will receive $36,628, the Town of Olean Fire Volunteer Fire Department District 1 will receive $100,062, the West Seneca Fire District 5 will receive $4,733, and the West Seneca Fire District Number 3 will receive $142,420. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders in Western New York and across the state are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security – it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”

“Our firefighters defend and protect our communities, and we need to do everything possible to make sure that they have the resources necessary to stay safe and be prepared to respond to emergencies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal funds provide critical resources to fire departments across Western New York, and I was proud to fight in the Senate for this funding to make sure our local fire departments have the support they need.”

A breakdown of the federal grant awards is provided below: 

The full text of Gillibrand’s letter of support the Depew Fire Department can be found here, and her letter of support for the North Java Fire Department can be found here.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is 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 found here.