Hudson Valley Fire Departments to Receive Grant Money

Where would we be without our first responders here in the Hudson Valley? These dedicated men and women go through hours and hours of training, learning how to use equipment and the latest techniques to be able to respond to fire and emergency situations.

What happens, however, when equipment gets old, or new equipment is available, but is cost prohibitive? These men and women continue to respond to emergencies, but can be hampered by equipment and safety issues.

Today, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney announced a major investment of over $80,000 for the Village of Fishkill and Arlington Fire Departments to replace aging and obsolete equipment. This investment, secured through the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, will allow Arlington to replace a 20 year old hose, and provide the resources for Fishkill to replace their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or “turnout gear” and outdated alerting radios.

The Village of Fishkill Fire Department is set to receive $58,381 and the Arlington Fire District will receive $24,546 for this new equipment.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are 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.