HAGAMAN, N.Y. – Congressman Paul Tonko announced today that the federal government has awarded a grant of $61,332 to the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in the eighth round of Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) announcements. The grant will help the company purchase a new safety trailer to provide fire prevention and life safety training to residents throughout Montgomery County.

“Our first responders not only help us in times of need, they educate our communities on safety and prevention,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “I want to congratulate Hagaman on receiving this award. These are the sort of investments that are worth making – bettering our communities and improving our quality of life.”

“The Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department is humbled and honored to receive this Fire Prevention and Safety grant award to help improve our educational programs not only in the Village of Hagaman and the Town of Amsterdam but throughout our neighboring communities as well,” said Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Chief Donald Reksc. “Our department is currently able to provide educational programs to about 1,800 children and adults annually. Through the use of this award, we’ll be able to purchase a new safety trailer that will also allow us to accommodate students we currently haven’t been able to include such as disabled and special needs students. We’re very excited for the opportunity to extend our program further to our communities.”

Here are the details of the award:

·         Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department, Inc: $61,332 to purchase a new safety trailer for fire prevention and training purposes.

On April 11, 2012 Congressman Tonko wrote a letter of support on behalf of the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department for the grant to the Assistant Administrator of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant Programs.

The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), and are under the purview of the Grant Programs Directorate at FEMA. FP&S Grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and reduce injury and prevent death. In 2005, Congress reauthorized funding for FP&S and expanded the eligible uses of funds to include Firefighter Safety Research and Development.

For more information on the FP&S grants program, click here.

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