Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) announced he has secured funding in the 2013-14 budget for the Amsterdam Fire Department.

The funding provided was allocated through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs and distributed in the New York State budget.

The department will be receiving a total of $10,970 for the purchase of water rescue equipment.

“This Byrne Grant funding will help provide the Amsterdam Fire Department with mission-essential tools they need to keep our families and communities safe,” said Santabarbara. “It will also help ease the burden on local taxpayers who would have otherwise footed the bill for this equipment.”

Amsterdam Fire Department Chief Richard Liberti said, “With a new bridge that is about to be built in our city, these items will enhance the Amsterdam Fire Department’s water rescue capabilities. I want to thank Assemblyman Santabarbara for his hard work to secure these funds so we can continue to keep our families safe.”