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ALBANY, NY – This afternoon Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) announced $115,635 has been awarded to the Cohoes Fire Department through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY2016 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. This award will fund the replacement of old equipment at or near the end of its service life.

Congressman Tonko praised the award and the work done by the Cohoes Fire Department, saying, “Our firefighters are the first line of defense against tragedy for families and communities all across the Capital Region, yet many of our local fire houses across the Capital Region operate with very limited resources. This award ensures that the brave firefighters in the Cohoes station have the equipment they need to continue saving lives and safeguarding homes and businesses in their community.”

Cohoes Fire Chief Joe Fahd, a 51-year veteran of firefighting in the Capital Region, emphasized the significance of the award, saying, “Without these AFG grants, we would be hard-pressed to get this equipment that keeps our firefighters safe and out there doing the work. Many people don’t realize that around 65 percent of firefighters develop some form of cancer during their careers. We need to be able to take care of these people that are out there fighting for our community. And we need to know that our hoses and equipment aren’t going to break on every call, especially when responding to a major incident.”

Cohoes Mayor Shawn Morse, a former member of the Cohoes Fire Department, added, “I would like to thank Congressman Tonko for continuing to fight for local governments. He understands our issues and continues to be our champion. This grant will enable our firefighters to have the tools they need to protect our communities. They are willing to put their lives on the line for us every day and ensuring they have the best possible equipment is paramount.”

Replacement equipment funded by this award is expected to include a new washer-extractor-dryer to remove dangerous chemicals from turnout gear, which will replace 35-year-old equipment that is no longer functioning, a new cascade air compressor to fill stock bottles, which will replace equipment that is 45 years old, and new hoses of various sizes to replace equipment that is 15-20 years old and regularly breaks when crews are out on a call.

AFG grants are competitive and awarded directly to fire departments to protect public and first-responder health and safety. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

This funding is part of round 6 of the competitive FY 2016 announcements. For more information on the grants, visit the AFG website at www.fema.gov/firegrants. 

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