Delanson Methodist Church

The Delanson Fire Company, with 10 volunteer firefighters, serves a village of roughly 370 residents and responds to some 115 calls per year. "These SCBAs are a huge plus for the village and the department," Chief Morrison said. "Not only are they equipped with distress signals that enable a firefighter to signal for help, but they also allow a com... rade to provide oxygen from his or her own cylinder. "On top of it all," he said "we could not have afforded this lifesaving upgrade," which is a big boost in confidence and morale for our volunteers." The SCBAs were provided by an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the agency's grants director for Region II, Dale McShine, said in New York City today. The equipment's cost is $56,650, with the federal share coming to $53,953. "Our AFG program has been aiding firefighters and other first responders since 2001," said Ms. McShine. "It's most gratifying to be able to help like this." "This grant provides resources to replace outdated equipment critical for the safety of our firefighters," said Delanson Mayor Gayle Gifford. "We're a very small community with a very small volunteer fire company. But big or small, all fire companies share the same goal: to protect and serve their communities' citizens." Citing how paramount it is to keep responders protected, Mayor Gifford continued, "Thanks to FEMA's AFG program, Delanson's firefighters will now be properly shielded in their hazardous work. I congratulate Chief Morrison for his determination and hard work. Thank you FEMA for recognizing Delanson as a worthy recipient for this award." Tania Hedlund, FEMA's regional Grants Branch Chief, explained that "the AFG program provides critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards." In 2013, the AFG provided funding of $21.9 million to 192 Fire Departments and EMS agencies throughout Region II, which includes ...Read More