Arcuri announces $526,672 in local fire grants

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) this week announced $526,672 for four local fire departments to enhance preparedness as first responders through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). 

“I am pleased to announce these critical federal grants to provide local fire departments with the resources they need to upgrade equipment and purchase new technology,” said Arcuri, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “These grants allow local first responders, many of them volunteers, to improve their already heroic efforts to protect our communities. In Congress, I have joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle to request increased funding for this critical grant program and will continue working in Washington to ensure that local first responders have the tools they need to keep us safe.”

The grants include:

• $ 185,250 for the Pinders Corners Fire Department for Vehicle Acquisition (Otsego County)

• $135,850 for the Coventry Volunteer Fire Company Incorporated for Operations and Safety (Chenango County)

• $57,000 for the City of Norwich Fire Department for Operations and Safety (Chenango County)

• $148,572 for the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department for Operations and Safety (Oneida County)

The Coventry Volunteer Fire Company will use these funds to purchase 35 sets of turnout gear, 10 new airpacs, a thermal imaging camera, and six portable radios.

“We are a little fire department, our budget is from the town, so we would only be able to afford one or two new sets of turnout gear. With theses funds we will be able to outfit everyone and at one time,” said First Assistant Chief, Daron Schultes. “The thermal imagining camera will help us find the fire and tell us when it is fully out - saving manpower time and on scene time. This is something we’ve never have the money to do. We are very pleased as this is the first grant we’ve received.”