The Rensselaerville Fire Company recently received a generous grant that provided them with new gear to help their efforts to better serve their community. 

The fire company received a grant through the Gary Sinise Foundation, a foundation serving first responders and veterans. 

“We serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need,” according to a statement on the foundation's website. 

The grant received by the fire company helped provide them with three complete sets of Innotex turnout gear. 

Rensselaerville Fire, which serves the hamlet and its surrounding rural community of approximately 900 residents across almost 27 square miles, receives this grant as rising costs of firefighting gear create challenges for rural fire departments to properly equip their firefighters with modern gear and equipment. 

The fire company currently consists of approximately 30 members, including approximately 15 active interior and exterior firefighters and one EMT dedicated to protecting the community. The fire company operates with an engine, an engine-tanker and a brush truck, responding to approximately 60 emergency calls each year. 

The gear received thanks to the support of the Gary Sinise Foundation has helped alleviate some of the financial stress that comes with purchasing modern firefighting gear. 

“Much of the company’s current turnout gear has been handed down from other departments over the years, making this new equipment a welcomed and much-needed upgrade for the firefighters receiving it,” said Rensselaerville Fire Company in a statement. “Modern gear not only improves firefighter safety and operational effectiveness, but also plays an important role in attracting and retaining new volunteers interested in joining the fire service.” 

The fire company says the assistance provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation will help them save funds that can now be directed toward the purchasing of additional equipment and gear in the future. 

“The Rensselaerville Fire Company extends its sincere gratitude to the Gary Sinise Foundation for its continued support of first responders and rural volunteer fire departments across the county.”