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Some area fire departments are receiving federal assistance.
U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, along with Rep. Nick Langworthy, recently announced federal funds for fire departments, including some in Western New York.
The Sinclairville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, Inc. was awarded $97,142, the Kianone Independent Fire Department, Inc. received $50,988.
Officials said the funding will be used to provide protective gear, training, and supplies to emergency personnel.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the primary goal of these grants is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of first responders while also improving their ability to respond to emergencies and disasters. They aim to address the evolving needs of first responders, from advanced equipment acquisition and updating aging vehicles to safety improvement and training programs.
Langworthy noted that in June he hosted a virtual grant writing seminar to make applying easier for our local departments.
"This direct federal investment will give our firefighters critical equipment upgrades including turn out gear, air packs, or other critical equipment that means the world in the heat of crisis. When our firefighters answer the call, I want them to have the support they deserve to do the job safely. As I meet with firefighters across the district, I hear repeatedly how important congressional support for this is, and I am proud to be a loud advocate," Langworthy said.
Schumer and Gillibrand also praised the funding.
"Every day, our first responders risk everything to keep families safe and protect communities across Upstate New York. This more than $13.2 million in federal investments will put critical resources directly into the hands of firefighters -- from New Rochelle to Syracuse to Buffalo -- helping them stay safe and giving them what they need to do their jobs when it matters most," said Schumer. "For decades, I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with firefighters from across Upstate New York to fight for this critical program, and I'm proud to see that work continue to deliver real resources for the brave first responders who always answer the call for help."
"Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe," said Senator Gillibrand. "We owe it to them to ensure that they have the resources and personnel they need to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible. I'm proud to be delivering over $13 million in federal funding to battle ongoing training and equipment gaps in fire departments across New York, and I will keep fighting to get more federal resources to our first responders."