MORRISTOWN -- Morristown has received more than $30,000 to replace worn, torn and burned emergency gear.

“This new gear will replace 10-year-old coats and pants that are torn, burned and in other stages of disrepair,” said Fire Chief Kevin Crosby about the new protective equipment his 41 volunteer firefighters will receive effective at the end of this week.

“This is literally a life-saver,” said Chief Crosby. “It’s a good feeling to know our guys have the safest equipment. We have a saying at the firehouse – ‘we like to go home every night’ – and this sure contributes to our being able to do that.”

The protective clothing is the result of an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $30,477.00. The AFG program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. With the local share, the total grant comes to $32,000, and was announced here today by Dale McShine, Director of the Grants Division of FEMA’s Region II.

Located along the St. Lawrence River, Morristown has a population of roughly 2,200 residents. The Fire Department bearing its name actually serves three towns – Morristown, Oswegatchie, and McComb, comprising a total of some 4,100 residents.

“We have 450 to 500 calls per year, for both fire and emergency medical services,” said Chief Crosby. “We also have two ambulances.”

The chief added that, “Small departments like ours simply can’t afford outlays like this. It keeps us safe, and it puts in compliance with National Fire Protection Association requirements.”

Speaking on behalf of the municipality, Mayor Cheryl Shatraw said, “The Village of Morristown is very proud of our hardworking and dedicated group of firefighters.”

FEMA’s Dale McShine explained that in 2013, Assistance to Firefighters Grants provided funding of almost $22 million to the 192 fire departments and EMS agencies throughout Region II, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

These grants assist emergency agencies,” she said, “and we know that they provides safety and protection to entire communities. We are very pleased to be a part of that process.”

For further information, please contact William H. Douglass at FEMA: 212-680-3665 or 917-561-3223.