NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday that $25 million will be awarded to New York volunteer fire departments including five in Western New York.
The funds will be used to pay for facility and response improvements at each department, as well as help ensure department buildings meet local building codes and regulations.
“Volunteer firefighters exemplify the best of public servants, and an investment in them is an investment in the safety of the communities they serve,” said Governor Hochul.
“These grants will give volunteer firefighters the resources they need to continue protecting New Yorkers; support befitting of their professionalism and the invaluable weight of their efforts.”
The Bemus Point Volunteer Company is set to receive $113,953 to purchase new equipment. Cassadaga will get $43,816. Sloan was awarded $222,719 for equipment, about the same for Westfield at $216,908.
Warsaw Fire Department got the largest award of any Western New York company. $931,290 has been earmarked for fire hall renovations according to a post on the department's Facebook page.
"We appreciate the backing of Governor Hochul, DHSES Commissioner Jackie Bray, and the Village of Warsaw board," the post read.
The fire departments applied through the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program.
According to the Governor's Office, the program focuses on ensuring that firefighters' health and wellness are supported and provides personal protective equipment and decontamination supplies to departments
The grant recipients were announced at a press conference in Greene County Friday.
“These grants are more than a boost; they’re a lifeline, making many of these vital capital upgrades possible that would otherwise be out of reach," said State Senator Michelle Hinchey
Hinchey represents the state's 46th Senate District which is just south of Albany in the Hudson Valley.
The full list of awardees can be found here.
