New York’s U.S. Senators and a Hudson Valley Congressman have announced additional funding for the Newburgh Fire Department.
Democratic Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney says the funding allows for six hires and prevents 17 layoffs in the Newburgh Fire Department. The more than $2 million in funding is through a Federal Emergency Management Agency Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, grant program. Maloney says this kind of follow-up SAFER award is rarely granted, but he has worked since last year to secure the necessary funding, including penning a letter of support for Newburgh’s application. U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand say the funding of additional positions will bring the department to a staffing level in line with National Fire Protection Association standards.