Assemblymember Rivera Announces $850,000 in Funding for Local Fire Departments
Funding will be used to replace aging equipment and will enhance the ability of departments to respond to emergencies
LACKAWANNA, NY – New York State Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera was joined by Rep. Tim Kennedy today to announce a total of $850,000 in state funding to support four local fire departments. The funding will be used to upgrade emergency equipment, purchase new vehicles, and enhance local firefighting infrastructure.
The allocations include:
- Lackawanna Fire Department – $250,000 for the purchase of emergency equipment and for the installation of a new water line and fire hydrant at the city’s fire training facility on North Steelawanna Avenue.
- Newton Abbott Fire Company – $154,000 for the purchase of emergency vehicles and equipment.
- Armor Volunteer Fire Company – $200,000 for the purchase of emergency vehicles and equipment.
- Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Company – $250,000 for the purchase of a utility task vehicle (UTV) to support emergency response operations, new fire hoses as well as new lockers.
The new funding comes at a crucial time for fire departments across New York State, many of which are struggling with budget constraints, staffing shortages, and equipment delays caused by declining tax bases, cuts to federal grant programs, and ongoing supply chain challenges.
Federal programs like the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) have long served as critical funding sources for local departments. However, the federal government cut both programs by 10% for fiscal year 2024, reducing appropriations from $360 million to $324 million each.
These cuts, combined with local budget pressures, have made it more difficult for fire departments to maintain staffing, replace outdated equipment, and sustain training programs.
The challenge is particularly acute for volunteer fire companies, which make up the vast majority of New York’s fire services. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 94% of New York State’s 1,647 fire departments are at least “mostly volunteer.”
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) estimates that volunteer fire departments save taxpayers $4.7 billion annually, yet the number of volunteer firefighters has dropped 33% over the past 20 years, even as emergency calls have risen by 29%.
In Lackawanna, part of the funding will support the installation of a new hydrant and water line at the city’s fire training facility on North Steelawanna Avenue, which opened in 2023. The upgrades will greatly enhance training operations, allowing firefighters to simulate more realistic fire scenarios and further strengthen their emergency preparedness.
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Whether it’s a house fire, a car crash, or a natural disaster, our local fire departments are always the first to respond, often putting their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. At a time when federal support has been reduced and volunteer numbers are falling, New York State must step up to ensure our first responders have the equipment and resources they need to protect the public and return home safely themselves.”
Congressman Tim Kennedy said, “Every day, the firefighters and first responders in our communities run toward danger to keep our communities safe. These heroes deserve the funding to strengthen their training and upgrade their equipment so they can return home safely to their families, because when we invest in them, we invest in the safety of our entire community. I’m proud to stand alongside leaders who are stepping up to ensure our communities have the resources to thrive. It’s time for Congress to do the same and increase funding for critical programs like the Assistance to Firefighters Grant initiative.”
City of Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo said, “The City of Lackawanna thanks Assemblymember Rivera for this generous $250K grant to our fire department, which continues his strong commitment to providing greatly needed funding and service resources benefitting our city’s residents, businesses and community organizations. We value our partnership with the Assemblymember and his team and are grateful for their efforts on behalf of the Lackawanna community. “
Lackawanna Fire Chief James Fino said, “This generous $250k grant from Assemblymember Rivera will assist the Lackawanna Fire Department in making greatly-needed upgrades to the department’s emergency radio equipment and continuing to expand the capabilities of our new in-house fire training facility, which provides our firefighters with modern hands-on learning experiences right here in the city. The Lackawanna Fire Department thanks the Assemblymember and his team for their continued support of our department.”