KAUNEONGA LAKE — Federal monetary assistance through FEMA was provided to Kauneonga Lake’s Volunteer Fire Department during a ceremony at the firehouse on Monday, October 18.

The aid comes from a grant titled the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), which provided the local fire department with a fund sum of $44,761.

This grant will be used by the fire department to purchase 13 sets of necessary replacement gear and personal protective equipment for the volunteer firefighters. Their current gear loadout is upwards of 15 years old.

State Senator Mike Martucci was in attendance at the ceremony and spoke to the crowd. “This is a great example of the positive power of government,” he said. “This grant will save taxpayer resources while also upgrading the protection of those who serve their community.”

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Congressman Antonio Delgado, and New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer were also major supporters of the AFG and were invited to attend the ceremony.

Kauneonga Lake Fire Chief Mark Pennell expressed his gratitude for the grant with local taxpayers in mind.

“It’s an expensive business,” Pennell said, regarding outfitting firefighters and keeping equipment maintained and up-to-date. He said he was glad the grant was able to lighten the financial burden for taxpayers.

After securing the grant with the support of so many state representatives and federal lawmakers, the Kauneonga Lake Volunteer Fire Department will be able to continue to diligently serve their community and protect local homes and businesses from fires, all with updated equipment and firefighting gear.