Congressman Paul Tonko announced today that the Albany Fire Department and the Speigletown Fire District in Troy have received federal grants totaling $320,552. Grants were made possible by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. The primary goal of FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations.

“The Capital Region’s first responders put themselves at risk to protect others during times of emergency,” said Tonko. “It is critical that these brave men and women have access to modern equipment and top-grade facilities. This grant program has enabled our local firefighters to better protect our communities, and educate the public on safety and prevention.”

The grants will help first responders purchase new safety equipment such as breathing tanks and rescue suits. The Albany Fire Department and Speigletown Fire District will receive $184,274 and $136,378 respectively.

"On behalf of the Albany Fire Department, I am extremely honored to receive this FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Award,” said Albany Fire Chief Robert C. Forezzi. "These funds will be used to increase firefighter safety through the purchase of new self contained breathing apparatus and air tanks, replacing current equipment.  The award will also increase our rescue capabilities with the purchase of swift water rescue suits for our rescue squad.  I applaud Congressman Tonko for his tireless efforts in securing this much needed funding and thank him for his continued support of the city of Albany."

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