Slaughter announces fire company funding

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, 28th District, Fairport, has announced two grants from the federal government totaling more than $340,000 that will benefit Western New York fire companies. The Rochester Fire Department is set to receive more than $252,000 and the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. will be awarded $91,756 for equipment and training activities.

The Youngstown Fire Department grant is from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, grant program, which assists fire departments in hiring additional firefighting personnel.

"Fire companies in my district and across the country have long battled funding cuts making it difficult for them to keep their communities safe," said Slaughter. "These grants help to ease that burden at a time when many local governments around the country have had to cut back because of the economic downturn. As they know better than anyone, it is essential that they be fully staffed and have the necessary equipment to carry out their lifesaving work."

In fiscal year 2010, the SAFER program will award approximately $420 million directly to fire departments and volunteer support groups to expand the number of firefighters available to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and all other hazards.