December 12, 2007

Saratoga Springs, NY - Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand announced that local fire districts were awarded several grants from the Department of Homeland Security, Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.  The Glens Falls Fire Department in Warren County was awarded $6,793, the Cherry Valley Joint Fire District in Otsego County was awarded $44,840 and the Lebanon Valley Protective Association in New Lebanon, Rensselaer County was awarded $124,194 under the Operations and Safety account. 

"It is my honor to announce these very important grants," said Congresswoman Gillibrand, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee.  "Our brave firefighters provide critical services and contribute to the safety and well-being of our communities."

Glens Falls Fire Chief Raymond Eives said, "We're very appreciative of the efforts of Congresswoman Gillibrand.  This funding will help meet the needs of the department and purchase important safety equipment."

Cherry Valley Firefighter Liz Plymell said, "The volunteers of the Cherry Valley Fire District would like to thank Congresswoman Gillibrand for her continuing efforts on the behalf of first responders nationwide.  With this grant the Cherry Valley Fire Department will now be able to provide state-of-the-art turnout gear for our firefighters."

This year, Congresswoman Gillibrand has announced grants for twenty-three fire and emergency response groups in all of the ten counties she serves, totaling more than $1.6 million dollars for the purchase of important safety equipment and new vehicles to improve emergency services in upstate New York.