Federal funding for fire departments looking to buy new equipment or train new firefighters is down, putting pressure on local departments to do more with less.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer says less than one in four departments that sought help from two federal grant programs received any funding because of what he says are "dangerously low" funding levels.
The New York Democrat says he's seeking a funding increase of $130 million for the programs, which assist local departments looking to recruit new firefighters or buy vehicles, equipment and protective gear.
Currently, some $680 million is devoted to the two programs.
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