Fire departments across New York are going to be getting a boost via FEMA.
US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced $2.34 million in federal funding for nine fire departments in Upstate New York to aid in recruitment and retention of volunteers.
Volunteer first responders are a critical part of the force in many communities. However, funding is often a big challenge. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program.
The Springport Fire District in Union Springs was the only one locally lucky enough to cash in on the funding. Other districts around Upstate receiving a cut of the funding included agencies in Albany, Middleburgh, Belmont, Pittsford, and Bushnell’s Basin.