Schumer pushes for F.D. grants

New York Senator Charles Schumer announced on Monday his push to increase funding for grant programs that would buy Long Island volunteer fire departments modern and essential equipment. The senator met with various members of the fire service at the Seaford Fire Department’s headquarters on Southard Avenue to discuss his plan of action.

“The firefighters are like our domestic soldiers,” Schumer said. “They volunteer and risk their lives for our safety.”

After the meeting at the department, Schumer was scheduled to take a flight to Washington and fight for the funding as a part of this week’s final budget deal. The funds would aid fire departments in acquiring new equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles and help with the recruitment of firefighters, which can cost thousands of dollars.

“Just recently, we were able to get a grant for people who go to college and work 40 hours at the firehouse,” Schumer said. “This will help get money off of their tuition and it brings in younger people to volunteer. Once they come, they usually stay and see the camaraderie and sense of duty that our firefighters have.”

With Seaford being one of the districts to suffer from cuts to grants it has received, Schumer made it a point to speak at the department alongside the County Chief’s Council and other fire leaders.

“One of the problems our firefighters have is that the equipment has become much more expensive,” Schumer said.
In 1999 Schumer and the former senator of Connecticut, Chris Dodd, came up with the “Fire Grant,” which was a huge success. The Federal program helped pay for some of the equipment, and funds were sent directly to various fire departments in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“Since its inception, we’ve received $300 million dollars in these grants,” Schumer added. “In 2015, New York state received $17 million dollars. These programs were cut by almost $130 million dollars. I’m here to fight and make sure the Fire Grant and Safety Grant get back to their old levels.”