North Country Sen. Joseph Griffo is calling on the governor to include $100 million in this year’s state budget to help support financially struggling fire departments across the state.

As Gov. Andrew Cuomo has already announced a variety of funding proposals in advance of his budget address this week, Griffo say he believes the Cuomo should direct some of that “generosity” toward the volunteer and paid firefighters who are among those that need help most.

Sen. Griffo’s proposed Firefighter Investment, Retention & Equipment grant program – or FIRE – would create a pool of $100 million that would be available for those volunteer and paid fire departments most in need – split $50 million for volunteer departments and $50 million for paid departments. Each department would be invited to apply for this funding by stating their needs, and then each grant would be awarded through the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

“Many volunteer fire departments across New York State are desperately struggling to attract new recruits to their ranks, while also searching out any funds to help maintain the equipment and training necessary to protect their firefighters,” said Sen. Griffo, R-Rome. “At the same time, many local governments with paid fire departments are facing significant fiscal challenges to maintain their services. Since Gov. Cuomo seems to have numerous pots of money available to spend on initiatives that he believes will be beneficial to the state, accordingly I would encourage him to also consider using that money to help our brave firefighters do their job as safely and as effectively as possible.”

The FIRE grant program would mirror the various federal grant programs that are currently available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which includes assistance to firefighters, staffing for adequate responses and construction funding. These new state funds are necessary, however, because FEMA funding is limited in what it can adequately address, Sen. Griffo said, and so the new FIRE grants could be divided proportionately among volunteer and paid departments in New York State to help invest in capital, equipment and training.

Griffo represents the state’s 47th Senate District, including the towns of Massena, Brasher, Norfolk, Stockholm, Potsdam, Pierrepont, Russell, Clifton, Fine, and Pitcairn in St. Lawrence County, plus Lewis and Oneida counties.

“Our firefighters have proven time and time again that they will do whatever it takes to protect property and save lives,” Sen. Griffo explained. “These selfless men and women push themselves to the limit, and we are grateful for it. But in reality, our fire departments are facing many challenges and struggles, so it is appropriate that we as a state do whatever we can to ensure that these departments have what they need to expand their ranks and keep our people and communities safe.”