More than $16,000 in federal funding has been approved to enable the village of Endicott to buy new firefighting gear.

The money will be made available through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The village is to receive $16,191 to obtain a gear washer-extractor and a dryer, along with a self-contained breathing apparatus mask cleaner.

The federal grant was announced on Monday by United States Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer and United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

In a news release, Schumer said "it is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively." He said the "funding for new equipment will ensure that the health and safety of Endicott's courageous firefighters are protected while responding to any and all emergencies."

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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