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WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that the City of Troy and City of Watervliet fire departments each received grants totaling $857,550.93 to fund operations, including personnel training and new emergency response equipment. Tonko submitted letters of support requesting consideration of funds for both Troy and Watervliet. The awards were provided through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY2019 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

• The City of Troy received $399,457.64 for new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.
• The City of Watervliet received $458,093.29 to buy updated cardiac monitors and support paramedic training.
  

“Our firefighters are our first line of defense when tragedy strikes, regularly putting their lives on the line in the service of our communities,” Congressman Tonko said. “Unfortunately, many local fire departments are forced to operate with limited funding and outdated equipment. This budget issue has only gotten worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of many reasons Congress needs to move forward with our Heroes Act or some other means of funding to prevent major layoffs and cuts to essential services by local governments on the brink. This smaller but still critically-needed funding will help to provide the resources necessary to keep our fire men and women safe while they fight to protect our families, homes and businesses. My congratulations to our local firefighters on these well-deserved awards and my heartfelt thanks for their dedication and sacrifice for our Capital Region.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Tonko for his support of our Assistance to Firefighters Grant application for the purchase of new SCBA units for our members, greatly adding to their safety,” said Troy Fire Chief Eric McMahon. “With the tough financial atmosphere that we are experiencing, this grant award could not come at a better time.” 

“The AFG has provided funding to us since 2002,” said Watervliet Fire Captain Tom Eagan. “This year we have been awarded funding for Cardiac Monitors/Defibrillators which allow us to assess various vital signs and provide ALS treatment for cardiac emergencies. Additionally, we will be able to send three members to an 11-Month Paramedic State Certified Paramedic Program and be able to fill staffing to allow for said training. Upon completion, the department will have an additional three members trained as paramedics available to provide for the ill or injured. The AFG is vital to all departments big and small, allowing us to effectively respond to all types of emergencies with proper equipment and training. We thank the AFG and Congress for the support.”

This funding is part of Round 1 of the competitive FY 2019 AFG announcements. The FY 2019 AFG Program will award approximately $315 million in competitive grants to fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies.

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