WASHINGTON, DC–Congressman Scott Murphy (D-20th) announced this week that the Stuyvesant Fire Company will receive $44,888 in the sixth round of the FY09 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The congressman’s office said the funding will be used to improve their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public through the Stuyvesant Fire Company #1.

With today’s grant to the Stuyvesant Fire Company, Congressman Murphy has secured 24 Assistance to Firefighters Grants for his 10-county district totaling $1,533,083. This funding has assisted local fire departments deliver service to their communities through the purchase new vehicles for first responders and the improvement of operations and safety.

“These grants to Stuyvesant and other local fire departments are absolutely essential to continue providing the best service to our communities by improving facilities and purchasing new vehicles.  I will continue to work with different towns and companies to secure these essential funds,” Rep. Murphy said in the release.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists local fire departments in programs and activities to 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.

Previously under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant for Operations and Safety, the Claverack Fire District received $38,000 and Stuyvesant Falls Fire District got $35,150.