Capital District Times

Federal funding from Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program to allow department to purchase new fire helmets, other critical equipment

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko today announced that the Troy Fire Department will receive an award from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program totaling $128,590.90. Tonko submitted a letter in support of the Department’s request for funding, which will go toward the purchase of 120 new fire helmets and new washers and dryers for turnout gear, helping the Troy Fire Department keep its members safe and properly clean and maintain its equipment.

“Every day, the brave men and women of our Capital Region fire departments put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” Congressman Tonko said. “It is our responsibility to honor their commitment and dedication by providing our first responders with the tools and training they need to do their work efficiently and safely. I’m proud of my efforts to deliver this critical funding that will strengthen the essential services provided by the Troy Fire Department, and going forward I will continue to push to make certain that all of our local first responders have the resources they need to continue serving our communities with distinction.”

“We would like to thank Congressman Tonko for his continued support of firefighters at the federal level,” said Troy Fire Department Battalion Chief, Kevin Kilgallon. “This grant will fund the purchase of three new heavy duty firefighting gear washers and dryers, and other firefighting equipment. As has been reported, cancer diagnoses among firefighters have risen to an alarming rate. These gear washers will be used following each structure fire to remove known carcinogens from our firefighting gear, making for a healthier and safer firefighting environment.”

Each year, Congressman Tonko and his staff assist numerous local fire departments by writing letters of support and helping to prepare their applications for these critical grants. On June 14, 2023  announcement marks the first round of the competitive FY 2022 AFG announcements, after the FY 2021 AFG cycle delivered more than $1.72 million for fire departments in Albany, Burnt Hills, Colonie, Glenville, North Greenbush, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, South Glens Falls, and Troy.

The FY 2022 AFG program will award hundreds of millions of dollars in competitive grants to fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies.

Original source can be found here.