Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the availability of $25 million in capital grants aimed at supporting volunteer fire departments throughout New York State. The funds are part of the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment Grant Program, which is now accepting applications until February 25, 2026.
According to Governor Hochul, “Our volunteer firefighters represent the very best of public service, answering the call to protect their neighbors and putting their lives on the line without hesitation to keep New Yorkers safe. Investing in their training and equipment is an investment in the safety and resilience of our communities. This funding provides our volunteer firefighters the support and resources they deserve and ensures they have the tools they need to continue their critical work.”
The program, managed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), aims to help volunteer fire departments upgrade facilities and response capabilities. Objectives include ensuring that fire stations meet current building codes, improving firefighter safety with new equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination supplies, and encouraging regional collaboration among fire services.
There are two funding categories available: $20 million will be allocated for construction or renovation projects involving fire stations, substations, training towers, instructional spaces, exhaust systems, and decontamination shower facilities. An additional $5 million will be used for equipment purchases including PPE washers/dryers, radios, rehabilitation equipment, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus fill stations, and testing devices.
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray stated: “Our volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line every day helping keep their communities safe from fire and any number of other emergencies. At a time when they are being called upon like never before, it’s essential we ensure these departments have the infrastructure and equipment they need to get the job done. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, we have been able to carry this program forward and ensure fire departments statewide are getting the support they need.”
Eligibility for grant applications is limited to entities within New York State that serve one or more local governments. This includes villages, towns, cities, fire districts composed entirely of volunteers, nonprofit fire companies that prequalify for participation, counties involved in shared municipal services arrangements.
The Office of Fire Prevention and Control provides various services such as firefighter training programs, education efforts in fire prevention techniques, technical rescue operations support as well as investigative services related to fires across New York.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services coordinates state efforts focused on preparing for threats ranging from terrorism to natural disasters. More information about emergency alerts can be found at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.
