Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $110K in Fed Funds for Carthage-Wilna Fire District in Jefferson County
Press Release
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $112,858 in federal funding for the Carthage-Wilna Fire District in Jefferson County. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The federal funding will allow the Carthage-Wilna Fire Department to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units, air bottles, face masks, and voice amplifiers. These new supplies will support firefighting operations and safety.
"It is essential that we provide our North Country firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively," said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. "Our Jefferson County first responders are our local heroes and our primary 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 across the Carthage-Wilna coverage area."
"These federal funds will allow our first responders to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively," said Senator Gillibrand. "We need to do everything we can to protect our first responders when they risk their lives, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure they are given the support they deserve."
"We are very pleased to receive the award. Fire safety equipment is expensive and this grant will allow us to purchase new equipment to replace existing equipment that meet the latest safety standards," said Brian Draper, Assistant Fire Chief. "This award will allow us to keep our firefighters safe while protecting the Carthage community."
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. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.
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