Recently, Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,I-New Hartford) was on hand with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for the announcement of federal funding to help with costs related to training, essential equipment and increased staffing for first responders. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response bill were passed this year and will help ensure the safety of countless first repsonders.

“This is a major win for our first responders,” said Miller. “Too many of the fire departments in our rural, upstate New York communities are understaffed. This not only hinders their effectiveness, but also puts their lives at stake because they don’t have funding for adequate staffing. These brave men and women are the front line for protecting our communities, and we should never be sending them into a dangerous situation where lives are at stake, without the proper equipment, training or staff. These federal funds will go a long way to ensure our first responders get the help they need.”