The Catskill Chronicle

WASHINGTON, DC (March 24, 2013) – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced $79,906 in federal funding for the Mountaindale Fire District. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, and will be used to make equipment upgrades.

“With this funding, Hudson Valley firefighters will have better equipment to keep themselves safe as they protect others,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment for turn out gear and face pieces in Mountaindale will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work and will enable them to respond as effectively and safely as possible.”

“This is an important investment for these Hudson Valley fire departments,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When our first responders go into harm’s way, we need to make sure they have the right equipment. This grant funding will help ensure Mountaindale’s brave fire fighters are responding to emergencies equipped with the right resources so they can save more lives.”

“We’re grateful to be awarded this grant to enhance firefighter safety and EMS efficacy,” said Mountaindale Fire Chief Andy Millman. “We’re a small department, but we’re essential the community, and we rely on these funds to update our equipment to adhere to State and federal mandates.”

“We’re excited that the hard work done by our firefighters and our senators resulted in a grant that will ultimately benefit our citizens,” said Town of Fallsburg Supervisor, Steven Vegliante, who’s also a firefighter in the Village of Woodridge.

The Mountaindale Fire District will use the federal funding to purchase 16 new complete sets of turnout gear, and 17 full face piece assemblies. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require that such gear be new and meet current regulations. The District was also awarded funds for the purchase of three additional AEDs to maximize lifesaving capabilities. Representatives of the Mountaindale Fire District attended an AFG workshop sponsored by Senator Gillibrand to help departments navigate the competitive grant process. Senator Gillibrand also wrote to FEMA officials in support of Mountaindale’s grant application.

The AFG Program assists local fire departments in programs and activities to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.

AFG 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.firegrantsupport.com/.