Johnsville firefighters get federal grant

JOHNSONVILLE, N.Y. » The Johnsonville Fire Department was one of three Capital Region companies announced Friday as recipients of federal grants.

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , both D-N.Y., announced $421,097 in federal funding through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, including $171,367 for the Johnsonville department. According to a joint news release from the senators, the local funding will be used to purchase backpacks, harnesses, facepieces and two cylinders.

“This equipment will directly impact our firefighters’ ability to safely perform their duties and protect the lives and property of the citizens of the Johnsonville Fire District and neighboring areas in northern Rensselaer and southern Washington counties,” said Jason Ham, Johnsonville’s first assistant chief, in the news release. Other area recipients included the Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Co. in Montgomery County, which will get $82,600 to also purchase backpacks, harnesses, face pieces and two cylinders, and the Churchtown Fire Co. in Columbia County, which will receive $167,130 to purchase a complete set of turnout gear, a personal safety and rescue bailout system, harnesses, backpacks, face pieces and two cylinders.

“It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively,” Schumer said in the release. “Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense for safety and security. It is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the United States Fire Administration. Grants are awarded

on a competitive basis to applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. “These federal funds will allow our first responders to purchase the up- to- date equipment they need to do

their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to protect our first responders when they risk their lives, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure they are given the support they deserve.” For more information on the grant program, including past recipients, visit www. fema. gov/ firegrants.