07.07.16

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $75K IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR TWO WESTCHESTER COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Funds Will Be Used To Purchase New Protective & Communications Gear For Firefighters

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $78,668 in federal funds for two Westchester County fire departments. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, the Irvington Fire Department will receive $27,239 to purchase new protective turnout gear to keep firefighters safe while in burning buildings and dangerous situations. The Tarrytown Fire Department will receive $51,429 to replace old protective turnout gear that has expired, as well as purchase new pagers and radios that allow firefighters to more easily communicate.

“It is critical that we provide our local fire departments with the most up-to-date equipment they need to keep our citizens safe and do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide them with the resources and cutting-edge gear they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”

“These federal funds will allow the Irvington Fire Department and Tarrytown 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.”

“Thank you to Senator Schumer for his ongoing efforts to keep this grant system alive and advantageous to our entire community. This grant will be extremely beneficial for our firefighters and helps us ensure top quality safety for Irvington,” said Anthony Tarricone, Chief of the Irvington Fire Department.

“Thank you to Senator Schumer for supporting the AFG funding system. New turnout gear will be used to protect our member throughout day to day tasks,” said Dave Goldstein, First Assistant Fire Chief of the Tarrytown 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.firegrantsupport.com/.