Four fire departments in Steuben, Chemung and Tioga counties will receive a combined $382,298 in federal grants to support first responders, with the largest award going to the Village of Savona.
Rep. Nick Langworthy's office announced the awards Saturday in an emailed release, identifying the recipients as Hornell and Savona in Steuben County, the Erin Fire District in Chemung County and the Village of Spencer in Tioga County.
Savona will receive $167,619, while the City of Hornell will receive $128,403. The Erin Fire District's award is $32,680, and Spencer's is $53,596, according to the release.
The money comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The awards are federal funding for the departments, rather than a proposal for a new grant program.
Langworthy's announcement did not identify the particular equipment, vehicles or training each recipient intends to purchase. It also did not provide delivery dates, local matching contributions or a schedule for putting the funded improvements into service.
According to FEMA's description included in the release, the program's primary goal is to improve first responders' safety and effectiveness and their ability to respond to emergencies and disasters. Supported needs include advanced equipment, replacement or upgrades for aging vehicles, safety improvements and training.
Langworthy said the investment would help departments obtain radios, turnout gear, air packs and other equipment. Those were examples of the program's potential uses, not itemized purchases announced for the four recipients.
“When our firefighters answer the call, I want them to have the support they deserve to do the job safely,” Langworthy said in the release. He said he repeatedly hears from firefighters across his district about the importance of the federal funding program.
The congressman's office said he supported funding for the program and hosted a virtual FEMA grant-writing seminar in June to help local departments apply. He represents New York's 23rd Congressional District, which includes communities across the Southern Tier and Western New York.
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