Congressman Paul Tonko announced today that the federal government has awarded grants totaling nearly $235,000 to three agencies in the 21st Congressional District through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program. Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services, the Central Bridge Fire District, and the Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Company will be receiving grants which will help them enhance services to residents and improve safety for first responders.

“These Assistance to Firefighters Grants are essential in helping departments provide the equipment and training necessary to protect the public,” said Congressman Tonko. “They have taken on added importance during this economic slowdown, providing much needed dollars for departments which are struggling with budget issues. Congratulations to these departments on their awards.”

Here are the details on the awards:

• Rotterdam Emergency Services: $118,215 to purchase two new ambulances.
• The Central Bridge Fire District: $78,232 to make safety upgrades to their fire station, including a sprinkler system, commercial fire alarm, and diesel exhaust extraction system.
• The Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Company -- $38,000 for operations and safety.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program was created in 2001 to help firefighters and emergency medical organizations purchase critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary to protect the public and first responders. It is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The program requires that each department provide a match of between 5% to 10% of the total project cost.

For more information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grants click here.

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