Three Hudson Valley Fire Districts Awarded Nearly $300,000 In Federal Funds

ORANGE COUNTY, NY – Rep.Sean Patrick Maloney, D-Cold Spring, announced three federal investments totaling $297,806 to fire districts in Mahopac Falls in Putnam County and Chester and New Hampton in Orange County. The funds, issued by FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, will allow the fire districts to acquire new protective equipment and technology for their staff.

“Firefighters stick their necks out to literally save lives every day — the least we can do is make sure they have the equipment they need to protect themselves. These investments will help us keep up our end of the deal while our firefighters are out there doing a dangerous job,” Maloney said.

The New Hampton Fire District will receive $164,105 to update aging self-contained breathing apparatuses, which provide firefighters with clean air as they respond to fire emergencies that often produce noxious chemicals.

“The Board of Fire Commissioners, Officers and Firefighters of the New Hampton Fire District are excited to partner with Representative Maloney in the announcement of this award. We try very hard to be responsible custodians of the taxpayer’s money. The purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatuses with these funds will replace outdated equipment and take a huge burden off the taxpayers. This grant will help us keep fire protection taxes as low as possible, while continuing to train with and provide fire protection to the taxpayers and businesses of the New Hampton Fire District, with new and modern equipment,” said Terence Reynolds, assistant chief, New Hampton Fire District.

The Chester Fire District will receive $52,272 to acquire a ventilation system to eliminate fumes, which are often trapped in the station as fire engines start up and respond to emergencies.

“It’s an important safety feature that will help protect our firefighters’ lungs as they rush to fire emergencies,” said Brendan Medican, chairman, Board of Fire Commissioners Chester Fire District.

The Mahopac Falls Fire District will receive $81,429 to acquire 35 sets of turnout gear, helmets and boots, which protect firefighters as they respond to emergencies.

“This is going to be a great asset for our fire department and we’re very excited. This funding will help us replace outdated gear and will be a big relief on our budget,” said Jeff Boyle, chief of the Mahopac Falls Fire Department.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need.

Since joining Congress in January 2013, Maloney has secured more than $9 million for Hudson Valley fire departments, according to a spokesman. More than $1 million of this funding has been directed at modernizing equipment, including protective gear, at fire districts in the Hudson Valley. Rep. Maloney has also secured millions to allow fire departments in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie to hire additional firefighters through the grant program's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program. Maloney will also host a workshop in Newburgh next month to help local fire departments effectively apply to grants through the AFG program.

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