TIVOLI, NY – On Wednesday, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey joined the NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (DSHES) Commissioner Terence O'Leary and members of the Tivoli Fire Department in Dutchess County to announce the second round of capital funding through the $25 million Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program. Senator Hinchey established V-FIRE as a State Budget initiative in 2023; it is the first-ever capital fund dedicated to helping New York’s volunteer fire departments afford essential equipment and infrastructure upgrades that improve facilities and emergency response capabilities. Tivoli Fire Department was among ten volunteer departments across the state that received the maximum award of $1 million. The full list of awardees is available here.

The following departments received V-FIRE grants in SD-41 counties: 

These investments build on the $25 million previously awarded in October 2024 to 88 volunteer fire departments, including Big Indian-Oliverea Fire Company and Shawangunk Fire in Ulster County and Leeds Hose in Greene County. An additional $25 million was secured for V-FIRE through the FY27 Enacted Budget and will be awarded in 2027 through Round 3 of the program. 

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “We developed the V-FIRE program because our volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line to serve our communities, and they need safe and modern equipment in order to do this important work. I'm thrilled that the second round of V-FIRE grants has been awarded to several of our firehouses in the Hudson Valley and Catskills. This funding will help our fire departments invest in the tools they need, while easing the financial burden on local taxpayers who rely on their services. Congratulations to Tivoli Fire on receiving this year’s highest award, and to all of the departments selected in this second round. I was proud to help deliver another $25 million for V-FIRE in this year’s budget, which will open up a third funding round to support more firehouses across our communities.”

Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) President Donald Farrell said, “A major component of the public safety equation is having functional stations, effective equipment and necessary apparatus. The V-FIRE program, championed by Senator Hinchey, provides an additional funding stream that directly results in increased community protection and risk reduction.”

Tivoli Fire Chief Marc Hildenbrand said, “We’re incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul, Senator Hinchey, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for the vital support this V-FIRE grant represents. For volunteer firehouses, it’s a real struggle to keep up with the rising costs for infrastructure and equipment; Tivoli has also endured the added challenge of having to build back after a fire in their firehouse. As one of the larger volunteer fire departments in our region, this funding enables us to have the facilities and tools we need to respond to emergencies and provide mutual aid safely and effectively. Most importantly, it allows us to serve and protect our local community 365 days a year with an expanded facility."

Senator Hinchey has been a strong advocate for volunteer fire services in the State Senate, providing over $7.2 million in capital grants to help local departments buy rescue equipment, turnout gear, and make firehouse modernizations. Hinchey also helped secure $750,000 in the 2026 State Budget to support the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association, which will aid professional fire departments, including the City of Kingston Fire Department. 

 

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