Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced $112,500 in federal funding for the Holbrook Fire District to purchase a new fire alarm system, including smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, for the fire station. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“By creating a modern fire alarm system in the Holbrook Fire District, this investment will help save lives,” said Senator Schumer. “These funds will guarantee that our local first responders have the tools they need to carry out their life-saving work as efficiently and safely as possible.”
“This is an important investment for both the Holbrook Fire District,” Senator Gillibrand said. “It is critical that our fire fighters have the proper up-to-date tools as they respond to emergencies. This federal grant will help update their equipment so our first responders can act quickly, effectively and safely to emergencies in our communities.”
“On behalf of the community and the personnel I thank you for your assistance,” said Holbrook Fire District Commissioner, Joel Vetter. “This award will allow the district to provide a single modern fire alarms system within the district. This project combined with current district infrastructure will allow for the development of a mass notification and monitoring system of high risk areas and threats. Ultimately placing life safety is the number one priority for the emergency responders and the community.”
The Holbrook Fire Department covers more than 11 square miles, serving a population of more than 7,000 families in Suffolk County. Holbrook Fire Department employs 125 firefighters who respond to approximately 2,200 calls annually.
Senators Schumer and Gillibrand wrote FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate to urge the Administration to fully fund the Holbrook Fire District’s request so that they could upgrade their emergency response equipment. Attached are a copies of the letter the Senators wrote.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, is part of an effort to increase the nation’s emergency response preparation. This program provides federal funding to first responder organizations for the acquisition of personal protective equipment, firefighting vehicles, and emergency response equipment. The funds also help provide emergency response trainings.