The Fredonia Fire Department has received a $71,094 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The funding is part of $1,478,994 announced Monday by New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer. Fredonia is one of 16 fire departments across the state to get money in the announcement, and the only one in Western New York.

According to the press release from Gillibrand’s office, “The funding will be used to supplement the operations and safety of fire departments, including professional training, wellness programs, purchasing personal protective equipment and upgrading facilities and supplies.”

“From Watertown to Whitney Point, our brave firefighters are always on the frontlines risking their lives to protect our communities,” said Schumer. “This $1.5 million federal investment means better training, protective gear, and equipment that our firefighters need to keep themselves and New Yorkers safe. I stood with firefighters across Upstate NY to push to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which this critical federal funding comes from, and I will always fight to keep New York’s dedicated firefighters prepared to take on any emergency.”

Gillibrand said, “”New York’s firefighters work tirelessly to protect our communities, yet many fire departments across our state are operating with outdated fire trucks and protective gear. This federal funding will provide them with the new equipment, training, and resources they need to stay safe as they respond to emergency situations. I will continue working to ensure that New York’s fire departments have what they need to defend our communities on the front lines.”