Press Release

ARCURI ANNOUNCES $176,220 FOR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Washington, DC -- Today, U.S. Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) announced $176,220 for two local fire departments through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). 

“I am glad to announce these awards to help local first responders protect our homes and businesses,” said Arcuri, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “In Congress, I have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get tax relief for volunteer firefighters and increase funding for critical grant programs that help communities across Upstate New York.”

Funding awards announced by Arcuri include:
$134,562 for the Yorkville Fire Department in Oneida County;  
$41,658 for the New Berlin Volunteer Fire Department in Chenango County.

The Yorkville Fire Department will use funds to purchase twenty-eight new air pacs.

“These new air pacs mean better firefighter safety and better technology to help us serve the public,” said Assistant Fire Chief Nicholas Morosco.

Since taking office, Arcuri has announced over $3.5 million in Assistance to Firefighter Grants for emergency first responders in the 24th congressional district.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) awards grants to firefighters, emergency response personnel and first responders to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of first responders and the citizens in their communities. AFGP grants provide resources for training, first responder health and safety programs, and response equipment and vehicles.

Since 2004, AFGP has provided a total of almost $2.2 billion nationwide to first-responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles. In fiscal year 2007, AFGP will award approximately $490 million directly to fire departments and EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities.

Legislation cosponsored by Arcuri to provide tax assistance for volunteer emergency responders to help area fire departments retain and recruit volunteers was included in the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act (H.R. 3997) which passed the House of Representatives in November.

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