CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN ANNOUNCES CRITICAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTERS

Congressman Pat Ryan Announces Critical Funding Opportunity for Hudson Valley Firefighters

Last year alone, Congressman Ryan helped Hudson Valley fire departments secure more than $3.8 million for safety equipment and training programs through FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs

The application period is open through June 22nd, 2026; Ryan is hosting a Zoom Webinar next Monday, June 15th, 2026 to help ensure local fire departments have the support and information they need to apply for funding

Ryan is a member of the bipartisan Congressional Fire Services and EMS Caucuses, and has consistently prioritized funding for Hudson Valley firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement officers

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Pat Ryan is announcing that grant applications are open for Hudson Valley fire departments to apply for funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs.

Last year alone, Ryan helped fire departments across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties secure more than $3.8 million in FEMA funding to purchase new safety equipment and bolster critical training programs.

Next Monday, June 15th, 2026, Ryan will host a Zoom Webinar to help ensure local fire departments have the support and information they need to apply for funding before the June 22nd deadline.

Ryan is a member of the bipartisan Congressional Fire Services and EMS Caucuses, and has consistently prioritized funding for Hudson Valley firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement officers.

"Our firefighters are heroes, working around the clock, risking their lives to protect our community," said Congressman Pat Ryan. "Every year, I'm proud to make sure the federal government is getting our local fire departments whatever they need to do their jobs and keep our communities safe. From updated emergency rescue equipment to bolstered hiring and training programs, we're all-hands-on-deck to ensure that our first responders are ready for whatever call they may receive. I'm hosting next week's webinar for all our local fire departments to learn more about the grant application process, and ensure they're getting the resources they need and deserve. As a proud member of both the Congressional Fire Services and EMS Caucuses, I'll always keep fighting to deliver for all of our first responders."

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities. Eight fire departments and volunteer fire fighting agencies across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties were awarded AFG funds to invest in updated safety equipment, and one received funding through the SAFER program to bolster their training programs.

Last year's recipients included:

• $312,380 for the Fairview Fire District
• $354,022 for the Village of South Blooming Grove
• $533,087 for the City of Port Jervis
• $255,836 for the Arlington Fire District (AFG)
• $45,454 for the Town of Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc.
• $44,476 for the West Clinton Fire District
• $53,952 for the Village of Otisville Inc
• $95,080 for the Esopus Fire District
• $2,110,749 for the Arlington Fire District (SAFER)

A member of the bipartisan Congressional Fire Services and EMS Caucuses, Congressman Ryan has been a steadfast supporter of and advocate for Hudson Valley first responders throughout his time in office. Among others, he cosponsors the following legislation:

• Facilitating Investments Required for Emergency Services to All Towns in Our Nation (FIRE STATION) Act, which provides financial assistance to fire and EMS operations nationwide.
• Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, a bill that recognizes the job-related roots of cancer for first responders by providing death benefits for occupational cancer under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program. While medical conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and COVID-19 are presumed to be line of duty deaths for the purposes of the PSOB program, occupational cancer is not.
• Federal Firefighter Cancer Detection & Prevention Act, a bill to prevent and detect certain cancers by directing the Department of Defense to include cancer testing as a component of the civil service firefighter's annual medical exam.
• Federal Firefighters Pay Equity Act, a bill that fixes a loophole where federal fire fighters receive only partial retirement credit for their work, effectively denying them the pension credit they have earned.
• Social Security Fairness Act, legislation that repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision and ensures retired firefighters can receive their full Social Security.
• Comprehensive Alternate Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act, landmark legislation that will allow EMS first responders to access Medicaid reimbursements for lifesaving care administered to seniors.

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