Hudson, NY – Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York’s Museum of Firefighting was awarded $267,500 for fire prevention education programming.  These funds, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency - Fire Prevention and Education Program, will allow the FASNY Museum of Firefighting to employ a full-time fire prevention and safety education specialist as well as engage in community outreach programs to reach more people with this important safety information.  In November of 2007, the Congresswoman wrote to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in support of the grant request.

“In many of our rural communities, small numbers of volunteer firefighters are often responsible for large areas of land, making fire safety and prevention extremely important,” said Congresswoman Gillibrand, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee.  “I am pleased I was able to assist the Museum of Firefighting in receiving this important funding.”

“We thank the Congresswoman for all of her help and support concerning this grant,” said Jamie Smith, Director FASNY Museum of Firefighting.  “The Museum Staff and Board are very excited about this opportunity to educate the children of New York State about the history of firefighting and to expand the Museum’s fire safety and prevention programs.”

Located in Hudson, NY since its inception in 1925, the FASNY Museum of Firefighting documents the rich history of firefighting in New York State and serves as a tribute to the brave men and women firefighters who daily risk their lives for the safety and security of our communities.