UTICA – State Sen. Joseph Griffo of Rome was presented with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs Presidential Achievement Award on Thursday, at a ceremony held at the Maynard Fire Department.

The association says that Griffo has stood behind the New York State Volunteer Firefighter Gap Coverage Cancer Disabilities Benefits Act and other state initiatives for firefighters.

Griffo was also thanked for securing $15,000 in state funding for the association to purchase Nomex hoods, which are worn under firefighters’ helmets to provide a head resistant area to protect their face and neck area. He also helped secure additional grant funding to help with fire prevention efforts in Oneida County.

“He’s always looking ahead to the future,” said David Glenn, president of the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. “And he turned around and got the Firemen's Association a grant for $15,000 so we can help these individuals implement the second hood grant. So not only does he help us legislatively, personally, but also in the future and the past.

““It is an honor to be recognized by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Association,” Griffo said in a news release. “I will continue to advocate for and fight to ensure that these brave men and women get the equipment, gear and other protections that they need. They keep our families, our neighbors and our loved ones safe while risking their own lives. For that, they deserve our gratitude. The least we can do is make sure that they are safe from harm.”

October is Fire Awareness and Prevention Month.