Hinchey Announces Volunteer Fire Grant Awards with Governor in Leeds, $25 Million Directed to Firehouses Across New York State

Leeds, NY – Today, Senator Michelle Hinchey joined Governor Kathy Hochul and emergency service leaders at Leeds Hose Company No. 1 in Greene County to announce the first round of funding from the $25 million Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program. Established by Senator Hinchey in the FY2024 State Budget, V-FIRE supports volunteer fire departments statewide with grants for essential equipment and infrastructure upgrades to improve emergency response. 88 volunteer fire departments across the state of New York have been awarded funding through round one of the program. The full list of awardees can be found on the DHSES website.

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “I championed the  V-FIRE grant program to address a critical need—volunteer firehouses across New York State are struggling to afford the equipment and infrastructure upgrades they need to best serve our communities and protect themselves on the job. These grants are more than a boost; they’re a lifeline, making many of these vital capital upgrades possible that would otherwise be out of reach. I’m thrilled that the first round of funding is officially going out the door, and I’m committed to fighting for more next year to ensure this support reaches more firehouses statewide, especially here in the Hudson Valley.”

John P. Farrell, Jr., Director of Emergency Services and Fire Coordinator for Greene County said, “The funding in the V-Fire grant represents the single greatest grant opportunity for volunteer fire departments, specifically those in rural areas like Greene County. Governor Hochul and Senator Hinchey recognized the need for this vital funding.”

President Eugene Perry Jr. of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) said, “We greatly appreciate the efforts of Governor Hochul and Senator Hinchey in supporting the volunteer fire and EMS services. In tough economic times, the Vfire Program can mean the difference between first responders having the facilities and resources they need and struggling to respond. This program delivers direct benefits to public safety.”

Anthony LaFerrera, President of the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs, said, “Up-to-date equipment and facilities are essential for improving services to communities across New York State. Recruiting new volunteers is also crucial for maintaining robust services. We appreciate the support the V-Fire grant offers to our volunteer fire departments. We thank Senator Michelle Hinchey and Governor Kathy Hochul for allocating these critical funds to protect firefighters and provide the tools they need to adequately serve the members of our communities.”

Joseph Badala, President of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York, said, “The investment of these critical funds, especially in rural areas of the State, not only helps fire districts and fire departments with fiscal challenges but also provides for enhanced services and response capabilities to our communities. We appreciate that Senator Hinchey and Governor Hochul recognize the importance of providing fire districts and departments with the tools they need to keep New Yorkers and first responders safe.”

During the FY2024 State Budget process, Hinchey garnered broad support for V-FIRE, building a wide coalition of supporters that includes the Fire Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York, the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs, the NYS Conference of Mayors, the New York Association of Towns, the NYS Association of Counties, and a bipartisan group over 40 state lawmakers.

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