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U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Paul Tonko today announced a grant to the City of Troy Fire Department. The funding, applied for by the fire department and supported by Schumer, Gillibrand and Tonko will aidtraining and equipment needs for emergency responders in Rensselaer County. The grant, awarded in the amount of $415,359, is made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

The Troy Fire Department will put the funding to use to pay for tuition and fees for their firefighters to attend paramedic school. The grant will also cover additional costs for personnel backfilling the normal shifts of those attending the school.

“These much-needed funds will allow the Troy Fire Department to invest in the Paramedic Training their firefighters need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Schumer.“I was happy to work with my good friend Paul Tonko on securing this funding that we know will help Troy’s citizens and visitors in emergencies and save lives.”

“Troy firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and keep our communities safe," said Senator Gillibrand. “That is why it is so important to ensure they have the right equipment to protect themselves as they go into harm’s way. This funding will allow the Troy Fire Department to get the critical protective gear they need to stay safe while serving the community.”

“Capital Region first responders regularly put themselves in danger to protect our friends and neighbors across the region. It is critical they have the training and most up-to-date equipment to continue to effectively protect the health and safety of the public. I thank Mayor Rosamilia, Chief Garrett and his team for their hard work on this grant as well as their tireless efforts to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Tonko.

“I would like to thank Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Tonko for being such tireless advocates on behalf of the City of Troy. As is the case with virtually all municipalities, money is tight and any funding that helps to ease the financial burdens that we face is great news. With this money, our Fire Department will be able to send firefighters to paramedic school without the City having to bear the heavy costs of doing so,” said Mayor Lou Rosamilia.

The Troy Fire Department is made up of 119 uniformed personnel and operates five engine companies, a rescue engine company, two truck companies, three ambulances, a hazardous material response unit, and two rescue boats. These local firefighters answer approximately 9,000 calls each year and also serve as the hazardous material response unit for Rensselaer County.

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