Mechanicville Fire Department Awarded $160,000 FEMA Grant to Equip 28 Firefighters

The Mechanicville Fire Department has been awarded $160,000 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. Combined with an $8,000 local contribution, the award provides $168,000 to purchase 28 complete sets of structural firefighting protective equipment.

Each set will provide a firefighter with a protective coat and pants, helmet, boots, gloves and two hoods. The new equipment will replace aging gear and help protect members during fires and other hazardous responses. FEMA approved a cost of $6,000 per set, reflecting the specialized materials, protective construction and fitting required for equipment firefighters depend on in dangerous conditions.

The AFG program helps fire departments and other emergency response organizations obtain critical equipment, protective gear, vehicles, and training. Its purpose is to improve the safety of firefighters and the communities they serve. For Mechanicville, the award makes a major equipment replacement possible while limiting the local contribution to $8,000.

“Protecting our community begins with protecting the firefighters who answer its calls,” said Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Dunn. “This award will allow us to equip 28 members with the gear they need to work safely and effectively. It is a substantial investment in our department’s readiness, in our volunteers and in the people of Mechanicville who rely on us.”

“This grant is a tremendous return for our taxpayers,” said City of Mechanicville Council. “An $8,000 local match brought in $168,000 of life-saving equipment for our firefighters. That is exactly the kind of outside funding the city should keep pursuing — it protects our residents and our volunteers without adding to the burden on local taxpayers.”

The Mechanicville Fire Department serves the City of Mechanicville in Saratoga County and provides mutual aid to neighboring communities.

The department extends its sincerest thanks to U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and his staff for their support and for helping bring attention to its application. It also thanks FEMA’s AFG program and its representatives for their assistance and commitment to firefighter safety.

The grant application was written by Julie Burline of MJ Burben, Inc., on behalf of the Mechanicville Fire Department.