U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) today announced $430,272.73 in federal grant funding to assist fire departments in Floral Park, Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Long Beach, and Lynbrook. The federal funds were awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant and Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programs.
“This influx of federal funding is a much-needed investment in our communities, particularly during this pandemic when local governments are strapped for resources,” said Rep. Kathleen Rice, a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA. “These grants help ensure our local fire departments have the equipment and personnel they need to continue protecting our communities. I will keep doing everything I can at the federal level to support our dedicated firefighters and help improve emergency response capabilities on Long Island.”
The Lawrence-Cedarhurst and Lynbrook Fire Departments received funding through the AFG program. Lawrence-Cedarhurst received $115,000.00 to acquire a new ambulance, and Lynbrook received $247,272.73 to purchase new breathing apparatus for its firefighters.
“I’d like to thank the Congresswoman for her unwavering support,” said Michael T. Beilinson, Chief of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department. “This ambulance is going to help us continue to provide the highest level of patient care to our community.”
“The purchase of the breathing apparatus for our volunteer firefighters will go a long way in keeping them safe,” said John Giordano, Lynbrook Village Administrator. “We thank Congresswoman Rice for her continued assistance to the Lynbrook community.”
Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department and the Floral Park Centre Fire Company were awarded $41,500.00 and $26,500.00 in funding respectively through the SAFER program for their efforts to recruit new firefighters.
“As always, we appreciate any and all assistance we get, especially during these trying times,” said Scott Kemins, Commissioner of the Long Beach Fire Department. “This grant will be used for an electronic sign at our Maple Blvd. Firehouse to help us recruit volunteer firefighters. We appreciate the help Congresswoman Rice gave us to secure these funds.”
