The 121st Assembly District has approximately 60 fire departments; all are volunteer except one. I have visited nearly every one of these volunteer departments, and they all have similar issues: funding, personnel, facilities and equipment. 

The New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (DHSES) has announced the details of the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program, which is a state-funded $25 million competitive grant program that supports volunteer departments. 

I urge all volunteer departments to see if this program can be of assistance. There is a deadline of 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 to have your paperwork received by DHSES.

New York State Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C)
Norwich, NY