The Schenectady County Legislature awarded grants totaling $50,000 to volunteer fire departments through the County’s Fire Service Improvement Grant Fund.
The funds were appropriated by the Legislature in the 2024 budget to help local departments enhance their capabilities in response to the impact and magnitude unusual storms, natural disasters and everyday responses have on their resources. Since 2019 the Schenectady County Legislature has awarded over $690,000 to local fire departments through the grant.
“Volunteer fire departments are a vital part of our community, and this grant funding helps ensure they have the resources to respond to emergencies, from severe storms to everyday calls,” said Schenectady County Legislator Pete Frisoni, Vice Chair of the Committee on Firefighting & EMS. “These dedicated volunteers are essential in protecting lives and property, and with continued support, they can strengthen their ability to serve and keep our neighborhoods safe.”
The following departments were awarded grant funding:
Town of Glenville Chiefs, representing six volunteer departments - $21,447
Delanson Fire Company - $1,500
Pattersonville Volunteer Fire Department - $5,000
Plotterkill Fire Department - $1,833
Carman Fire Department - $5,000
South Schenectady Fire Department - $5,000
Rotterdam Fire District #2 - $715
Rotterdam Junction Volunteer Fire Department - $4,505
Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department - $5,000
Funding will be used to build a gas training prop, and for nozzles and lighting, water rescue equipment, training props, ballistic vests, PPE hoods and gloves, water/ice rescue equipment, tools, EV blanket and safety plug, helmets, and gas meters. All departments that submitted a request were awarded grant funding.
Supporting First Responders
Schenectady County Property Tax Exemption
In 2023, the Legislature passed Local Law No. 1-2023, which expanded the county’s property tax exemption to the maximum allowed for members of volunteer fire departments and volunteer ambulance services with a minimum of two years of service.
Over 180 applications were received by the March 1, 2024 deadline to be eligible for the expanded property tax exemption starting in January 2025. Learn more at https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/legislature/firefighter-tax-exemption.
Supporting Local EMS
In 2022, the County Legislature granted $50,000 to the Duanesburg Volunteer Ambulance Corps (DVAC) and $150,000 to Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services (REMS) to help cover expenses incurred due to the pandemic.
Land Donation to Duanesburg Ambulance
The County Legislature donated a tax foreclosed property to Duanesburg Ambulance in January of 2024. The parcel, which is adjacent to DVAC’s 130 Cole Road property in Delanson includes a house, is being used for administrative offices, training space, and lodging for first responders.
Become a Volunteer Firefighter or EMS Worker
Volunteer departments depend on members of the community to help during times of crisis. While firefighters and EMS workers are the primary emergency responders for many neighborhoods throughout Schenectady County, there are many other volunteer opportunities available to help departments respond to fire alarms, rescue and medical calls, and help their communities through environmental and natural disasters. Learn more about becoming a volunteer firefighter or EMS worker in Schenectady County at www.schenectadycountyny.gov/emo/volunteer-firefighter.
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