Volunteer fire departments in New York awarded $25 million in state funding for improvements

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $25 million in capital funding for 65 volunteer fire departments and districts across New York to improve facilities, response capabilities, and emergency preparedness.

Ten departments received the maximum award of $1 million. The investments build on $25 million previously awarded to 88 volunteer fire departments in October 2024.

Nearly half of New Yorkers rely on volunteer firefighters for fire protection and emergency response, according to the state. The grant program is intended to offset the financial pressures of rising equipment and construction costs so local taxpayers do not bear the full cost of the safety upgrades, according to the state.

“Our volunteer firefighters answer the call day and night, keeping New York communities across the state safe,” Hochul said.

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