U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand say they’ve secured $43,429 in federal funding for the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department.

The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

The DeKalb Volunteer Fire Department will use this federal investment to purchase new fire turnout gear and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or air packs.

“The dedicated men and women at the DeKalb Volunteer Fire Department put their lives on the line each day to protect our residents and property. In order to do their jobs effectively they need top-notch equipment and protective gear,” said Sen. Schumer. “This funding will allow our firefighters to purchase the vital resources they need to continue their important work of saving lives.”

“The DeKalb Volunteer Fire Department will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep firefighters safe during emergency situations and enable them able to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively,” said Sen. Gillibrand. “Our first responders are on the frontlines during emergencies and should have the most up-to-date equipment as they do their job protecting our community.”

“We are using the grant to purchase six new MSA SCBA air packs, six spare MSA bottles and three new sets of turn out gear,” said Chief Robert Drake, DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department. “DeKalb Junction is a small fire department with 35 members and has come a long way in the last five years. We have currently 10 interior fire fighters, three scene support firefighters, five fire police, four EMTs, and numerous pump and EVOC operators under the guidance of Chief Robert Drake. We wear our hearts on our shoulder, and work well with our surrounding Departments. There is no "I" in this team. I would like to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Naomi Drake for writing her first grant under the guidance of Jeff Gibson.”