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Tonko Announces $982K Awarded for Capital Region Fire Departments

Federal funding will support local fire departments training, recruitment & purchase of PPE

Amsterdam, September 9, 2021
  • Rep. Paul Tonko

AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today several grants totaling $982,942 awarded to local fire departments to support emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment and training. Funding to local departments include:

  • $151,416 awarded to Troy Fire Department
  • $147,489 awarded to Fort Johnson Volunteer Fire Company Inc.
  • $468,363 awarded to Albany Fire Department
  • $95,714 awarded to Schodack Valley Fire Company
  • $62,506 awarded to Amsterdam Fire Department
  • $57,454 awarded to Schenectady Fire Department

“Our local firefighters are ready to answer the call and put their lives on the line to serve when we need them most,” Congressman Tonko said. “Too often these brave men and women are forced to operate without updated equipment and with limited support. I’m pushing in Congress to ensure that our fire departments have the resources they need to effectively protect the public. My heartfelt thanks to our firefighters for their continued commitment and sacrifice for our communities.”

Tonko submitted a letter requesting consideration of funds for the Troy Fire Department grant, which is being awarded through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY2019 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

Troy Fire Chief Eric McMahon said, “The grant application requested funding for the purchase of new cardiac monitors and power cots. Both of these equipment requests are used daily in the delivery of emergency medical care to the residents of the City of Troy. As is well known, the health care system is currently under great stress and fire based emergency medical services are a vital part of the today’s health care system. This equipment is much needed and will be used daily in the delivery of those services.”

The AFG Program of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was created to award grants to fire departments, EMS organizations and state fire training academies in order to strengthen the preparedness and ability to protect public health and safety throughout the country. 


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