U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $47,132 in federal funding for Keene Valley Hose and Ladder Company No. 1 in Essex County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The Keene Valley Hose and Ladder Company No. 1 in Essex County will use this federal investment to purchase one Monitor/Defibrillator/Pacemaker for ambulance and four Biphasic Automated External Defibrillators to be put on our fire and rescue trucks.
“It is critical that we provide our fire departments with the cutting edge equipment they need to keep our firefighters safe, so they can do their jobs 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 and tools they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”
“Keene Valley Hose will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help firefighters during emergency situations,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our first responders on the frontlines should have the most up-to-date equipment to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively.”
“Ecstatic cannot begin to express the level of joy our department experienced when we were notified by Senator Gillibrand’s office of our selection for the FY 2014 AFG program. Like many dedicated volunteer organizations, we value the well-being of all our fire personnel, community members and visitors alike. This grant to purchase new defibrillators will allow us to improve the already valuable service we provide to our area.” said William Tansey, Keene Valley Hose and Ladder Company No. 1. “We wish to share our sincere thanks to our elected officials in their assistance with securing this award on our behalf. We are humbled at this time to know that there are so many other organizations competing for the same funds.”
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 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.firegrantsupport.com/.