news

ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko today announced the awarding of more than $109,000 in federal funding to two local fire departments. In this round of funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, the Menands Fire Company No. 1 will receive $94,933.12 to acquire critical new stabilization and extrication equipment, and the Ballston Lake Fire Department will receive $14,640.95 to purchase a new gear washer and extractor.

“Our Capital Region’s first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities and our families safe,” Congressman Tonko said. “In my role, I’m committed to doing everything in my power to make certain that these courageous men and women have the resources, equipment, and training they need to continue to serve our Capital Region with distinction. I’m proud to celebrate this funding that strengthens our local fire departments, and I’ll always continue my efforts to ensure that our first responders have the tools they need to do their work safely.”

“The Menands Fire Department is honored to receive this funding from FEMA, and we look forward to purchasing new extrication and stabilization equipment,” said David Ognan, Chief of the Menands Fire Department. “With this equipment, we can better serve and protect the members of our community and the commuters passing through our Village.”

“The Ballston Lake Fire Department is honored to be a recipient of the AFG grant,” said Greg Amyot, Chief of the Ballston Lake Fire Department. “We plan to use these funds to purchase a gear washer and extractor for our fire station. Presently, members wash gear in a household clothes washer and then leave it to air dry. This causes gear to be out of service for several days to allow the drying process to complete. This new washer/extractor will not only clean and dry the gear more efficiently and effectively, it will also result in members being able to return to service quicker than ever before.”

Each year, Congressman Tonko and his staff assist numerous local fire departments by writing letters of support and helping to prepare their applications for these critical grants. Today’s announcement marks the seventh round of the competitive Fiscal Year 2022 AFG announcements, after previous rounds delivered more than $425,000 for fire departments in Troy, Watervliet, and Scotia. The Fiscal Year 2021 AFG cycle delivered more than $1.72 million for departments in Albany, Burnt Hills, Colonie, Glenville, North Greenbush, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, South Glens Falls, and Troy.

The Fiscal Year 2022 AFG program will award hundreds of millions of dollars in competitive grants to fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies.