Senator Lea Webb Announces New Fund to Support Volunteer Fire Departments Now Open

(Southern Tier, NY) This week, Senator Lea Webb (SD 52) announced the launch of the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure (V-FIRE) Grant Program, which will provide $25 million in capital funding for New York State volunteer fire departments to support upgrades and improvements to fire stations, training facilities, and equipment supplies. Funding for this new program was secured in the FY 2023-24 state budget after gaining widespread support by public safety advocates, local governments, and volunteer firefighters across the state. It comes in addition to $10 million included in the FY 2023-24 budget for stipends to aid in the recruitment and retention of these volunteers. These funds will help offset the ongoing fiscal challenges posed to volunteer fire departments while also supporting increased services to communities across New York. 

Senator Lea Webb said, “In rural districts like mine, volunteer firefighters play a critical role in public health and safety. I am thrilled that we were able to support our local volunteer fire service by securing $25 million in the FY 23-24 state budget for much-needed upgrades to our fire stations and training facilities and the purchase of equipment and supplies to keep our public servants safe. This important infrastructure funding is in addition to the $10 million we secured in the budget for volunteer fire recruitment and retention efforts, funding which will strengthen our volunteer fire service here in the Southern Tier.”

The New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) are accepting applications for V-FIRE funding until April 30th, 2024 via the DHSES E-Grants system. Funds will be awarded competitively to eligible organizations that are located within and serve New York State, and can be used for upgrading and improving facilities and response capabilities through the following objectives:

• Ensure fire stations and training facilities are safe, structurally sound, meet current building codes and regulations, and support or promote effective and safe firefighting practices;
• Support volunteer firefighter safety and health and wellness by providing equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination equipment & supplies, and effective exhaust removal systems; and
• Support consolidation of fire service resources through regionalization efforts to expand above and beyond jurisdictional boundaries to enhance local, county, and statewide response efforts.

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