Congressman Chris Collins Announces $35,764 Grant for the Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company in Gasport, NY

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $35,764 in federal funding for the Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company, located in Gasport. The grant was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program, which is designed to help fire departments maintain a sufficient number of firefighters.

“For volunteer fire departments, the high costs associated with membership recruitment and retention programs are significant obstacles to overcome,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “Access to funding through the SAFER grant program provides volunteer fire departments and EMS organizations an opportunity to implement new recruitment strategies and expand on current training practices. These efforts will certainly maintain the safety of our local communities and I am honored to help the Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company secure this vital funding.”

“It is critically important that small, rural fire companies like ours are able to effectively recruit new members and maintain retention efforts,” said Bill Fisher, Terry’s Corner Fire Department Chief. “This $35,764 award will help support those efforts and allow us to continue serving our community each day. We look forward to continue working with Congressman Collins to push for increased SAFER and AFG funding for volunteer fire departments.”

This federal grant will allow the Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company to implement a new incentive program that will reward members who frequently respond to calls and participate in training opportunities. The Company will also purchase a new digital sign, which will be displayed outside the department, to encourage recruitment.

The SAFER Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase, or maintain, the number of trained first responders in their communities.

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