Fire departments in Ogdensburg and Richville will share $30,000 in federal money, according to Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

The Ogdensburg Fire Department is getting $16,366.

The Richville Volunteer Fire Department will receive $14,286.

Ogdensburg will use the grant for safety equipment. They will eplace six complete sets of old protective equipment and bring the rest of their turnout gear up to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Equipment includes turnout coats, turnout pants and firefighting boots and helmets, the senators said in a joint statement.

"This grant will fund the purchase of 6 complete sets of turnout gear which in turn will give these dedicated firefighters the updated equipment to perform their duties safely,” said Ogdensburg Chief Michael J. Farrell. “The residents of Ogdensburg, NY will benefit with the entire department being able to respond more effectively and efficiently. By continuing to upgrade this critical firefighting equipment, the Ogdensburg Fire Department will move forward in making their city a safer place for both firefighters and the neighbors they are sworn to protect."

Richville will buy a washer, extractor and dryer to clean firefighter turnout gear. In many cases the firefighters’ gear still has toxic carcinogens emitted from the fire and needs to be professionally cleaned. This machine will avoid that process and allow firefighters to have their gear cleaned in-house, therefore ready for the next emergency as soon as possible, the senators said.

"We are very grateful that the Assistance to Firefighters Grant is available to help us purchase this equipment,” said Martin J. Hassett, president of the Richville Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. Without this program a small department like ours would not be able to do this. It's critical to properly clean soiled turnout gear to prevent the transfer of carcinogens and biohazards to our dedicated volunteer firefighters."