O’Mara welcomes new funding for Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls

Montour Falls, N.Y., May 20—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) welcomed today’s announcement that the Frederick L. Warder Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls has been awarded $500,000 in federal funding to provide enhanced training for first responders in incidents involving crude oil and other ignitable liquids.

The announcement was made earlier today in Albany by Governor Andrew Cuomo, who noted that the new funding for the Academy of Fire Science is being awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighter’s Grant Program and will be administered through the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

“This is great news and yet another valuable addition for all New Yorkers to the incredible training provided at The Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls,” said O’Mara.  “The Academy remains vital to Schuyler County and surrounding communities, and it continues to make irreplaceable contributions to New York’s firefighters and first responders, and the state as a whole.” 

More than 6,000 emergency services providers come to the Academy annually to receive education and training in over 130 courses including fire suppression; fire department leadership and management; emergency medical services; hazardous materials; fire and arson investigation; fire prevention and code enforcement; incident management; technical rescue; and emergency response to terrorism.

According to today’s announcement, the new funding will support a crude oil training simulation for first responders.  It will provide a “hands-on” live fire training prop that will teach firefighters how to respond to an incident involving crude oil and other ignitable liquids, and to prepare for and respond to the challenges posed by the transportation of crude oil by rail and water across New York State.

Cuomo said, “New York’s first responders selflessly risk their lives every day in order to protect their neighbors and our communities. This funding will provide our firefighters with the highest level of training and ensure they have the tools they need to tackle these very dangerous emergency situations."

DHSES Commissioner John Melville said, “The Academy of Fire Science provides unique and high-quality training to our volunteer and career firefighters so they can continue to provide essential services to every corner of New York State. This funding is key to the continuation of outstanding training at the Academy and to the first responders that serve our state.”