HAMMOND -- Hammond Fire & Rescue Department is set to receive $100,463 for new turnout gear in the latest round of the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

New York’s U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand made the announcement Friday.

Schumer was an original sponsor of the legislation that led to the creation of this funding program for local governments and fire departments to help defray the rising costs of equipment and fire prevention. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program funds can go towards training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

"With this funding, Hammond firefighters can focus on their important work knowing that they have reliable new equipment,” said Schumer. “These investments will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work and will enable them to respond as effectively and safely as possible with new turnout gear.”

With the grant funds, the department will be able to get 30 to 40 sets of new gear for firefighters.

“This is an important investment for the Hammond Fire and Rescue Department,” said Gillibrand. “It’s our responsibility to ensure our first responders have the most up-to-date equipment to serve our communities. The new turnout gear will help the Hammond Fire and Rescue Department upgrade their emergency response equipment so that their firefighters can respond to emergencies in the community more efficiently and effectively, and help save more lives.”