Schumer announces $2.5 million in funding for fire departments. Here's the local impact.

Fire departments across Upstate New York are receiving nearly $2.5 million in federal funding through the AFG & SAFER Programs, including a handful of departments in Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pushed to re-authorize the program earlier this year. The funding will be used to provide protective gear, training, and supplies to emergency personnel across 34 fire departments.

This federal funding was administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG), which New York state's senators fought hard to preserve and fund.

“Every day, brave firefighters risk their lives on the frontlines to protect communities across Upstate NY, from Latham to Lockport,” said Schumer. “This nearly $2.5 million federal investment means better training, protective gear, and equipment our firefighters need to keep themselves and New Yorkers safe. I stood with firefighters across Upstate New York to push for the reauthorization of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program and I’m grateful that, as a result, the AFG Program is continuing to deliver results.”

“New York firefighters work tirelessly to protect our communities,” added Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “This federal funding will provide them with the necessary equipment, training, and resources to keep them safe as they respond to emergency situations. I will continue fighting for New York fire departments and working to ensure they are well-equipped for both their safety and that of our communities.”

Here's how the funding breaks down for local departments.

Oneida County

Village of Boonville Fire Department — $59,500

Town of New Hartford Fire Department — $184,998.90

Volunteer Fire Company of Western Inc., Westernville — $83,311.99

Herkimer County

Village of West Winfield Fire Department — $114,285.71

Madison County

Oneida Castle Fire Department — $32,761.90

Schumer: Funding will support lifesaving equipment, training

These awards come after the senators announced the first three rounds of 2024 AFG funding earlier this year, sharing that millions of dollars in federal funding is on the way for additional fire departments across New York State.

Schumer, who helped create the AFG & Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs, said that since their inception, these programs have delivered nearly $700 million to firefighters across the Empire State.

Earlier this year, Schumer applauded the signing of the bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act, which extends the AFG and SAFER programs to help keep firefighters and communities safe. Schumer explained that the AFG program has been a lifeline for fire departments across the state and has become essential to their continued operations.

“Fire departments, especially those in Upstate New York, often face budget shortfalls and extremely high costs that mean they cannot purchase the modern equipment they need to combat emergencies and keep firefighters safe,” Schumer’s office wrote.

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Schumer said that AFG grants have positively benefited fire departments in every corner of Upstate New York.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by FEMA. The competitive grants are awarded to the applicants that most closely meet the program’s requirements and demonstrate a commitment to its priorities. 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.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Schumer announces $2.5 million in funding for fire departments. Here's the local impact.