WATERFORD, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko Tuesday, Sept. 12 announced the awarding of more than $345,000 in federal grants for two local first responder organizations. In this round of funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, Halfmoon-Waterford Fire District No. 1 will receive $309,000 to acquire new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) and the Waterford Rescue Squad will receive $36,632.38 to purchase other critical new safety equipment.
“I’m committed to making certain that the brave men and women of our Capital Region fire departments and EMS squads have the resources they need to continue to serve our communities,” Congressman Tonko said. “Our first responders put their lives on the line day after day to keep our families safe, and it is our responsibility as leaders to make sure they are properly equipped to safely face the challenges of their jobs. I’m thrilled to celebrate this significant infusion of federal funds, and I’ll always keep working to make sure that our local departments have the tools they need.”
“The Halfmoon Waterford Fire District #1 is extremely grateful to Congressman Tonko for his advocacy to help secure funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the direction of FEMA,” said Peter Semenza, Commissioner of the Halfmoon Waterford Fire District #1. “This vital financial support will allow our fire district to replace thirty-five of our Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) which are nearing the end of their useful life. This equipment is crucial to the safety of our firefighters as it provides breathable air in hazardous fire conditions. With the help of this grant, the safety and welfare of the residents of our community will be preserved for the foreseeable future.”
“The Waterford Rescue Squad’s mission is to provide the best possible care to the community we serve,” said Tracy Weir, Chief of Operations for the Waterford Rescue Squad. “Being awarded this grant will help us to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment which will not only help us to provide the best care to our patients, but also reduce the risk of injuries to our providers.”
Tonko Announces $109K+ for Capital Region Fire Departments
ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko Aug. 24 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.”
