Schumer, Gillibrand Announce +$16,000 in Federal Funding for the Shortsville Fire Department in Ontario County

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release:

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- Funding Will Be Used To Purchase New Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors, As Well As Initiate A Public Safety Social Media Campaign

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U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $16,761 in federal funding for the Shortsville Fire Department in Ontario County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and will be used to purchase 30 new smoke detectors and 30 new carbon monoxide detectors for the Shortsville Fire Department to install in homes across the county.

Additionally, the grant will fund a new fire safety social media campaign, to teach Ontario County residents how to prevent fires in their own homes.

"It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe on the job," said Senator Schumer. "Our first responders in Ontario County are our local heroes and our first line of defense for safety and security. By allowing the courageous firefighters of the Shortsville Fire Department to install new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors across the county, as well as conduct a new fire safety social media campaign, this grant will help ensure the safety of everyone living in Shortsville."

"Our communities are safer when everyone is prepared for an emergency. With this federal investment, Shortsville Fire Department will be able to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in homes across Ontario County, and also teach community members fire safety procedures," said Senator Gillibrand. "I will do everything I can in the Senate to ensure that our communities have the resources they need to be safe."

"The cost of a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector is small compared to the cost of injuries from an emergency or repairs to your house from a fire. With this grant, we can provide homeowners with the tools and knowledge they need to prevent fires and stay safe in their homes," said Shortsville Fire Department Chief Jason Wagner.

The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's 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. More information on the AFG Program can be found here (https://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program).