Saratoga Springs, NY - Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand announced that local firefighters were awarded $386,950 in Assistance to Firefighters grants from the Department of Homeland Security.  The grants, part of the 2007 Fire Grants program, were awarded to the Palenville Fire District in Greene County for $223,616, the Germantown Hose Company in Columbia County for $66,500, the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company in Washington County for $90,250 and the Treadwell Fire Department in Delaware County for $6,584. 

First Lieutenant Gabrielle Pierce of the Treadwell EMS said, "We appreciate notification from Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand's office of this award.  The Treadwell Department provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services to approximately 2,700 residents in its district plus mutual aid assistance to surrounding departments, and will use the grant funds to procure new extrication equipment."

Congresswoman Gillibrand has announced over $2,000,000 in federal grants for local fighters in her first year in Congress.  The Assistance for Firefighter program is a competitive grant program for firefighters and emergency responders administered by the Department of Homeland Security.  Funds can be used for the purchase of new vehicles, training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.