Vernon Volunteer Fire Company Awarded $105,500 FEMA Grant Community Help Needed for $5,100 Local Share

VERNON, N.Y. — The Volunteer Fire Company of Vernon has received some major good news that will help modernize critical firefighting and emergency-response equipment while reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

The department announced that it has been awarded $105,500 through the FY2025 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

The funding will be used to replace and purchase several important pieces of equipment used by Vernon’s volunteer firefighters during emergency calls.

According to the department, the grant will allow the fire company to:

• Replace aging attack hose

• Replace supply hose

• Purchase new firefighting nozzles

• Replace an aging AED

• Add a wildland firefighting skid for the department’s UTV

• Purchase 10 new sets of firefighter turnout gear

These upgrades are especially important because firefighting equipment is subjected to extreme conditions and regular wear. Turnout gear, hose, nozzles, and emergency medical equipment are critical not only to the people firefighters are responding to help, but also to protecting the volunteers entering dangerous situations.

The department noted that the federal grant will make these upgrades possible without requiring additional funding from the Town or Village.

$5,100 Still Needed for Required Local Contribution

While the federal award represents a major investment in the Vernon Fire Company, there is still a local financial obligation that must be met.

The department says it is responsible for a $5,100 required non-federal contribution associated with the grant.

That means the fire company is asking residents, businesses and community supporters who are able to help to consider making a donation toward the $5,100 local share.

For a volunteer fire company, even a relatively small required match can represent a significant fundraising obligation. Contributions from the community would allow the department to satisfy that requirement while preserving other fire company funds for operations, maintenance, training and future equipment needs.

Every donation — large or small — can help Vernon reach the $5,100 goal.

The grant also demonstrates how federal funding can help local volunteer departments replace expensive safety equipment without placing the entire cost on local residents.

Vernon Fire Company Also Seeking New Members

In addition to donations, the Volunteer Fire Company of Vernon is encouraging residents interested in serving their community to consider becoming members.

The department says people from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels can find a place within the organization.

Those interested in donating or becoming a member can visit www.vernonfd.org or stop by the firehouse on a Tuesday at 7 p.m. the Direct link to make a donation is : https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NHUHT6JP8AYXQ

For the Volunteer Fire Company of Vernon, the $105,500 FEMA award represents a significant step toward providing its firefighters with updated equipment — and now the department is hoping the community will help it complete the final $5,100 local commitment needed as part of the grant.