CORTLAND -- The City of Cortland Fire Department will receive more than half a million dollars in federal grants.
The department will receive $535,598 to recruit new firefighters and provide housing for its volunteers.
The grant money comes from the Department of Homeland Security, and is designed to strengthen the response programs of fire departments by promoting and maintaining 24-hour staffing, particularly in volunteer departments.
"Our firefighters keep our families and businesses safe, and with these federal funds more brave men and women will be recruited and rewarded for doing this life-saving work" said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, (D) New York. "Today, the people of Cortland can sleep easier knowing that more firefighters will be on the job."
Cortland's fire department is made up of both career firefighters and volunteers. The new recruitment program will be geared towards, but not limited to, college students at surrounding universities.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) provides funding to local fire departments to help them improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.
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