U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded grants to three Southern Tier fire companies under the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program. The grants, which were among nearly 1200 awarded nationwide in the 10th and 11th rounds of grants for fiscal year 2002, were awarded to the Apalachin Fire Department ($45,972), the Village of Owego Fire Department ($39,600), and the Johnson City Fire Department ($72,846).

 "The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program continues to pay off for fire companies in the 26th Congressional District," Hinchey said. "We've put a lot of time and effort into funding the grant program and then making sure our companies are able to put together the best possible application. The grants ... will help our firefighters to better meet the challenges they face and to maximize their safety."
 The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program was created by the 106th Congress and authorized for $400 million over two years. A member of the House Appropriations Committee, Hinchey has strongly supported providing full funding for the program. 

 Fire companies had the opportunity to apply for assistance in any of four categories: fire operations and firefighter safety, fire prevention, emergency medical services, and firefighting vehicles. Apalachin, Owego, and Johnson City all applied under the fire operations and firefighter safety category. The FEMA grants represent 90% of the full cost of the companies' proposals.