Natasha Vaughn is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media fire departments and rescue squads in Columbia County have received $275,000 in grant money from the Hudson River Bank and Trust Foundation. The awards were given to help offset costs associated with pandemic response. “We were thinking this was obviously a very stressful year for everyone, especially for what are primarily volunteer organizations,” said Hudson River Bank and Trust Foundation President Carl Florio. “So we thought that one way to try and help out in terms of equipment needs, or PPE needs or whatever they needed that we would contribute to all the fire districts in Columbia County plus all the rescue squads.” The money was divided among the four rescue squads and 31 fire districts and departments based on the number of people served, Florio said. Checks have already been distributed. The amount of funds allocated ranged from $1,500 up to $10,000. Columbia County Fire Coordinator George Keeler said in a statement, “Our sincere gratitude goes out to the HRBT Foundation for their continuing commitment to assisting not-for-profit organizations, especially during these trying times.” The foundation was formed when Hudson River Bank & Trust Co. converted to a public company in July 1998. It provides funding in support of charitable causes and community development activities in Columbia County. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.