Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $25,330.47 in federal funding for the Bay Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. in Warren County. The funding will be used to purchase a turnout gear washer-extractor, which will clean harmful chemicals and debris from firefighters’ gear. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).
“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 Bay Ridge 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.
“Every day, our first responders face dangerous conditions and risk their lives as they protect our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to announce this funding for the Bay Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., which will be able to purchase new equipment that will help protect firefighters’ health and safety as they do their jobs. I will always fight in the Senate for the resources that our local fire departments need.”
“The Bay Ridge Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for helping to procure the funding for our Turnout Gear/ Personal Protective Equipment Washer and Extractor. This equipment will be invaluable in better protecting our fire fighters from contracting life threatening diseases such as Cancer,” said Charles Mellon, Fire Chief, The Bay Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.
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.