Fire departments awarded grants

January 16, 2009 07:53 am

— Staff Report

Several area fire departments were awarded federal funds through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

In Delaware County, the fire departments receiving grants are Franklin _ $166,250, and Hobart _ $180,500, according to a release from Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Hudson, who announced seven fire departments in her district will be receiving funds from grants totaling $674,482.

“That’s great,” said Franklin Fire Chief Tom Worden, when he learned on Thursday the money was being awarded. It will be used for a 4-wheel drive supply truck that will replace an older existing vehicle, he said.

Hobart Fire Chief Kenneth Muthig said he hadn’t received official notification yet, but expressed his appreciation for the grant program.

“This is coming at the best time,” he said. It will be used to buy a tanker to replace one that needs to be retired from service, he said.

“Support for our local firefighters is critical to the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Gillibrand.

In Otsego County, the Schuyler Lake Fire Department received $25,227 for c ommu n i c a t i o n s equipment, according to a release from Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-Utica.

He announced four grants totaling more than $400,000.

“All homeland security begins with our local fire departments,” he said in the release.