Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (R,C-Manchester) is excited to announce $25 million in capital grants is now available to help volunteer fire departments statewide upgrade their facilities and equipment. The $25 million was secured in the FY 2023-24 State Budget for this initiative, and $10 million was secured to help offset the costs of training courses New York state volunteer firefighters are required to complete.

“Volunteer fire departments are every community’s first line of defense throughout the state when it comes to fire emergencies in our homes, vehicles or public buildings. Depending on the circumstances, fire emergencies can quickly get out of control, and that is why this funding is so critical to ensure our first responders are well-trained and well-equipped when answering the call,” said Gallahan.

Administered by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the capital grants program supports volunteer fire departments by helping them upgrade and improve their facilities and their response capabilities through the following objectives:

• Ensuring fire stations and training facilities are safe, structurally sound, meet current building codes and regulations and support or promote effective and safe firefighting practices;
• Supporting volunteer firefighter safety and health and wellness by providing equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination equipment & supplies and effective exhaust removal systems; and
• Supporting consolidation of fire service resources through regionalization efforts to expand above and beyond jurisdictional boundaries to enhance local, county, and statewide response efforts.

            “Continuing to support and assist our volunteer fire departments and first responders must remain a top priority across the state and across the aisle. When our families and others need help, it is the selfless men and women who volunteer to protect and serve the communities we rely on. I fully support this funding opportunity, and I am excited to see the funding put to good use,” concluded Gallahan.