U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer announced Tuesday that the Oswego Fire Department (OFD) would receive $10,320 in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The grants, which are part of the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, is part of the third round of program awards given to fire departments across the United States to assist in improving safety and operations.

“This funding will go a long way in supporting the first responders in the city of Oswego,” Schumer said. “Our nation’s firefighters are truly America’s heroes … it is essential that we help them to do their jobs safely and efficiently. One of the key ways to do this is to make sure that they have enough firefighters on duty to handle the job and to ensure that they have the training, equipment and resources they need to do their job well. This federal money will help to make sure that firefighters in central New York get the resources they need and have enough people on hand to keep our communities safe.”

OFD First Assistant Chief Jeff McCrobie commended the hard work of both members of the department and Schumer in securing these funds. “We have a few guys that put an unbelievable amount of time and hard work in trying to secure these grants. It is obvious that their hard work is really paying off,” he said. “It is really a tribute to the job these guys are doing … it is not easy. Of course, we also appreciate the senator’s hard work in securing these grants … it’s certainly a big help.”

The AFG Program helps to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations within local fire departments. The program helps to fund specialized emergency training for response to many situations including terrorist attacks. It also assists in developing health and safety initiatives, enhancing emergency medical service programs, establishing fire prevention and education programs, creating fitness programs and facility and equipment upgrades.

“These grants ensure that the firefighters in Oswego continue to have the basic resources they require to do their jobs, improve safety and save lives,” said Schumer. “Local fire departments have been strained from budget cuts, rising costs of equipment and stress from being on heightened alert because of the war on terrorism. These funds are truly a life-saving investment that will provide local fire departments with essential resources and support, so they can be better prepared for emergencies.”

The AFG Program awards grants on a competitive basis to applicants that demonstrating financial need and to those closest to addressing the program’s priorities. The AFG Program is administered by the DHS in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration.