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Letter to Jeh Johnson, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security - Supporting the SAFER Grant

Letter

Date: July 13, 2015
Issues: National Security Government Budget and Spending

Dear Secretary Johnson:

I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the City of Norwich Fire Department for funding through FEMA'sStaffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. Such funding will enable the Norwich Fire Department to hire three additional firefighters.

Based in the heart of Chenango County, the Norwich Fire Department is responsible for protecting a 65-square mile area that includes state highways, a 20-mile stretch of the Chenango River, and approximately one-third of the county's residents. With both career and volunteer firefighters, the Department serves the commercial and governmental hub of the county, including the headquarters of Chobani Greek Yogurt and Norwich Pharma services, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, Lt. Warren Eaton Airport, and various schools, nursing homes, and governmental facilities. The Department also regularly provides automatic and mutual aid to eight other neighboring departments. There are no additional funds for hiring, and the Department's overall budget has recently been reduced. Furthermore, many volunteer members cannot maintain NFPA 1001 and 1002 training levels, forcing the Department to increasingly rely on career firemen.

With funding, the Norwich Fire Department will hire three additional career firefighters, increasing safety levels for both the Department's firefighters and the community at large. Funding will allow the Department to reach full coverage on each shift and ensure a more robust immediate response. In addition, the new personnel will be cross-trained as paramedics to assist in response to the increasing number of ambulance and rescue calls. With an expanded staff, the Norwich Fire Department will improve response times while increasing the quality of first response in the area. I applaud the Norwich Fire Department for its foresight and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.

Thank you for your consideration.


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