CHENANGO COUNTY – On Wednesday, New York State Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) announced $215,000 in grants would be awarded to five Southern Tier fire departments, including two in Chenango County.

According to a press release sent by Schumer’s office, the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department and the Smyrna Fire Company will be receiving a portion of the grant money.

“This funding will go a long way in supporting the first responders in the Southern Tier,” Schumer said. The grant money was awarded as part of the 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

The Plymouth Volunteer Department was awarded $18,240. According to Plymouth Fire Chief Matt Bates, the department will use the money to improve their communications. Bates explained that the department will be purchasing new radios, pagers and other communications equipment to improve communications on emergency scenes.