Congressman Paul Tonko announced today that the Scotia Fire Department has received a federal grant in the amount of $31,464. The funding was 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.”

Funding will assist the Scotia Fire Department to purchase new protective equipment for their first responders.

“The Scotia Fire Department is a combination department of thirteen career and fifteen volunteer firefighters. This Assistance to Firefighters Grant award will enable us to replace fourteen complete sets of NFPA compliant firefighter turnout gear. The members of the Scotia Fire Department are extremely grateful for Congressman Paul Tonko’s assistance in obtaining this grant. Without this grant the purchase of this new personal protective equipment would not be possible,” said Scotia Fire Chief Charlie Keller.

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