Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $831K in Federal Funding for Five Fire Departments in Central New York

Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $831,960.89 in federal funding for five fire departments in Central New York. Specifically, the Fleming Volunteer Fire Department #1 will receive $23,714.28, the Dewitt Fire District will receive $24,952.38, the Cortlandville Fire District will receive $85,159.09, the City of Fulton Fire Department will receive $49,953.33, and the Scriba Volunteer Fire Department will receive $648,181.81. 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 Central 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.”

“Every day, our first responders put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to announce this funding for five fire departments in Central New York which will help firefighters respond to emergencies safely and efficiently. I will always fight in the Senate to ensure that our local fire departments have the resources they need.”

“We thank the Senators for their continued support,” said Scott Kehoe, Chief, Fleming Volunteer Fire Department #1.

“We’re pleased to have received the grant from FEMA. It will contribute to the safety our firefighters and ultimately our community. We’re grateful to Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for their continued support,” said Jason Green, Chief, Dewitt Fire District

“When equipment gets worn out, it can be difficult to replace. Because of the nature of what our agencies do, this award is huge,” said Jared Gebel, Chief, Cortlandville Fire District.

“Certainly we are very excited of the news that we will be the recipient of this AFG Award from FEMA. The money will be used to purchase and install personal protective equipment washers/extractors and dryers into our east and west fire stations respectively. It also allows for the purchase and installation of a mask washing station. All of these pieces of equipment will allow us to have safe clean gear after any incident where it may have been exposed to contamination and reduce the risk of cancer for our people. We are grateful to FEMA for the award and proud to accept it on behalf of our hardworking community in the City of Fulton. Without this grant money, these types of purchases are not necessarily possible as they are just too expensive to incorporate into our operating budget,” said David Eiffe, Fire Chief, City of Fulton Fire Department.

“We’re happy with the support we’ve received from FEMA. This grant is going to help us out greatly, as well as the departments around us,” said Shawn Simoneau, Chief, Scriba Volunteer Fire Department.

A breakdown and description of the federal grant awards for Central New York may be found below.

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.