Local fire departments to receive federal grants

Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate (EP&R) of the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) has awarded $917,120 to 10 fire departments in New York in the 25th round of federal grant approvals under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, according to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).

Area departments receiving grants include the Brockport Fire Department - $166,368; and Clarendon Fire Company, Inc. - $73,440.

"As the holidays near and the cold weather comes upon us, our firefighters will be under more strain than ever. Many fire departments around the state are short-staffed, suffering under the strain of budget cuts and reduced numbers. They need help and they need it fast. That is why I am pleased to announce these grants, because they represent a clear commitment to our firefighters," Senator Clinton said.

"Every dollar that our local departments receive means extra resources not only to help them fight fires but to help them respond to other emergencies," Senator Clinton said. "Every day our firefighters put their lives on the line for us. We should do everything we can to ensure that they have the resources, equipment and training they need."

The Firefighter Improvement and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act directly funds training, wellness and fitness activities, fire fighting equipment acquisition, and personal protective equipment acquisition for individual fire departments. Funding may be used for the purchase of firefighting equipment, funding firefighter health and safety programs, enhancing emergency medical services programs, and conducting fire prevention and safety programs.

The funds are being distributed as a result of the $750 million that Congress appropriated for FIRE Act grants in the Fiscal Year 2003 Consolidated Appropriations bill. Nationally, fire departments receiving the awards represent a cross section of the nation's fire service, including those from urban, suburban and rural areas as well as those made up of paid and volunteer firefighters and those that are a combination of both. FEMA and the USFA expect to announce grants weekly until all of the $750 million in FIRE Act grants are awarded. Since June, over 6600 fire departments have received almost $495 million to support their role as first responders in the neighborhoods and communities they serve as firefighters, with over $24 million going to New York. The total of all awards, when completed, will represent a $750 million investment to enhance fire and EMS service delivery nationwide.