Mayor Mike Spano, who has long been a strong advocate for making the city’s fire department one of the finest in the nation, proudly announced that the Yonkers Fire Department has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Operations and Safety programs. The grant of $887,061 is the largest AFG award of any municipality in New York State this year.
“This is a big win for Yonkers,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Our firefighters are among the best in the nation, and this grant gives them the tools and training they need to stay ahead of the challenges they face every day. Thank you to our federal partners, including U.S. Senator Schumer for investing in the safety of every resident, business, and family in our City.”
Mayor Spano said the funding will support training additional firefighters to the advanced Hazardous Materials level, strengthening the department’s ability to respond to evolving chemical, industrial, and energy-system risks, while safeguarding the critical infrastructure that keeps the region running. The grant was secured through United States Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, who represents the City of Yonkers.
“Yonkers’ brave firefighters risk their lives every day on the frontlines to protect our community. I’m proud to deliver a whopping $887,061 in federal funding, the largest AFG grant awarded in New York this cycle, to help train new firefighters and upgrade the Yonkers Fire Department’s aging infrastructure, which will keep our firefighters and families safe. I have long fought to increase funding for the AFG program because I know how important it is for our first responders to be well-equipped and prepared. I’m grateful that the program continues to deliver results for Westchester County, said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer/
“Securing this AFG grant is a transformational step for the Yonkers Fire Department and for public safety across our region,” said City of Yonkers Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick. “This funding allows us to rapidly expand our certifications and deepen the capabilities that our Yonkers community and regional partners depend on, accelerating our progress and reinforcing our readiness.”