ENDICOTT – Senator Fred Akshar announced 12 funding grants to support local volunteer fire departments and emergency services on Thursday, including $10,000 for Norwich fire and emergency services and $15,000 for the Greene Fire Department.

Akshar was joined by local firefighters and EMS workers from across the 52nd Senate District at West Corners Volunteer Fire Department Thursday for the announcement of the grants totaling $155,000.

“We rely on our first responders during our most vulnerable times,” said Akshar. “We turn to them during fires, floods, car accidents and medical emergencies and we breathe a sigh of relief when we see them arrive on the scene. I’m proud to be able to secure funding to assist these selfless members of our community to better serve and protect the people of the 52nd Senate District.”

Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino said the $10,000 grant will be used to purchase advanced life support equipment, including visual intubation equipment which will assist with a patient’s breathing.

“I thank [Senator Akshar] immensely for the funds,” said Papelino. “Those funds help us deliver improved patient care to the people that we work on on a daily basis. I certainly thank him for everything he does for the area and emergency services overall, whether it be police, fire, or EMS, he tries to help all of them. That’s certainly commendable on his part and we appreciate it.”