Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $235,000 In Federal Funds For Dobbs Ferry Fire Department In Westchester County

Aug 25, 2016

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $235,734 in federal funding for the Dobbs Ferry Fire Department in Westchester County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Dobbs Ferry Fire Department will use the federal funding to replace over 30 outdated Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs and bottles.

“This vital funding will provide our firefighters in Westchester County with the equipment and training necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial provide them with the resources they need so they can continue their important work of saving lives.”  

“These federal funds will allow the Dobbs Ferry Fire Department to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and stay safe while they are protecting 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.” 

“This federal grant will save a great deal of money for local taxpayers and will be used to replace outdated equipment that will keep our fire department operational for 15 fifteen years,” said Fire Chief Gerard McIlvain, Dobbs Ferry Fire Department.

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.fema.gov/firegrants.