Senator Michelle Hinchey Delivers Over Half a Million Dollars for Six Capital Region Fire Departments

ALBANY, NY – State Senator Michelle Hinchey today announced that she has secured six grants, together totaling $559,942 in State and Municipal Facilities Capital (SAM) funding, that will enable firehouses across the Capital Region to upgrade their fire apparatus, purchase new turnout gear and extrication tools, and make firehouse improvements. 

“This grant funding for our Capital Region firehouses is an investment in the safety of our communities and in the first responders who are always there to answer the call, putting the lives of others before their own,” Senator Michelle Hinchey said. “I will always do what I can to support our fire services, and I am incredibly proud to deliver this state funding to make sure local departments have the modern equipment and facilities they need to stay safe on the job and continue protecting our residents.”

“Senator Hinchey visited Altamont Fire Department, heard our concerns, and stepped up for us in a big way by helping us secure the funding we needed to replace our pumper engine, which had reached over 20 years of frontline service,” said Nicholas Fahrenkopf, Village of Altamont Trustee and Altamont Fire Department Liaison. “Between price increases and supply chain issues, even the most basic firetruck was out of reach for us, and without Senator Hinchey's help, we would still be chasing a moving target, trying to save money into at least 2024. Now, the pumper is on order, and we expect to be able to put it in service in late 2023.”

Town of Mohawk Fire District Commissioner Todd Winsman said, “Senator Hinchey came through for the Town of Mohawk Fire District, delivering the funding we needed to purchase a generator that will help power our new fire station and provide crucial service to our residents and local businesses. We thank the Senator for her work on behalf of our first responders."

Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department President Joshua Rougier said, “We here, at the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department, extend our gratitude to Senator Hinchey for this critical grant, which has allowed us to update the extrication tools on our Rescue Truck. We love and cherish our community and strive to keep everyone safe and sound to the best of our ability; having the right equipment can be the deciding factor on how positive that turns out. The new extrication tools will expedite our ability to set up and prepare once we have arrived at the scene and will be safer and easier for our firefighters to handle.”

Ames Volunteer Fire Department Chief Shawn Bowerman said, “We are very grateful to Senator Hinchey for securing a $50,000 SAM grant for the Ames Volunteer Fire Department. This grant will be used to purchase new turnout gear that meets the current standards, replacing out-of-date and worn-out gear that our department is currently using. The purchase of this gear would not have been possible without this grant award and will keep our members safe.”

Berne Fire District Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair Mary Alice Molgard said, “The officers and members of the East Berne Fire Company deeply appreciate the generous $100,000 grant secured by Senator Hinchey, which will fund the installation of a generator that will enable the department to provide essential firefighting and community services during natural disasters, including maintaining water and food for residents and a temporary place to shelter. In addition, the grant will outfit a training classroom with broadband connections and appropriate audio-visual equipment so firefighters can remain up to date on firefighting techniques and procedures. Firefighters can attend mandated NY State training without having to travel long distances and enroll in online-only courses. Savings in time, resources, and taxpayer money will be significant thanks to this grant delivered by the Senator.”

• $250,000 for Altamont Fire Department: Funding will support the purchase of a pumper engine outfitted with the necessary tools to accomplish the task of fire suppression, including hoses, ladders, air bottles, PPE, and hand tools. The new apparatus will replace one that is being retired from service.
   
• $100,000 for Berne Fire District: Grant dollars will help fund the purchase of a generator to support the firematic needs of the department and provide shelter, food, and water to community members during extreme weather events and natural disasters. The funding will also be used to connect the Fire District’s training classroom to broadband.
   
• $59,942 for Schonowe Fire Department Rotterdam Fire District 7: The funding will support the purchase of a Rescue Fire Suppression Unit (RTV).
   
• $50,000 for Ames Volunteer Fire Department: The funding will support the purchase of new turnout gear to protect 25 volunteer firefighters on the job.
   
• $50,000 for the Town of Mohawk Fire Department: Funding will support the purchase of a new power generator, a transfer switch, concrete pad, conduit, and wiring.
  $50,000 for Hagaman Fire Department: Grant dollars will fund the purchase of extrication tools, safety equipment, and turnout gear.

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