MT. SINAI – Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Tim Bishop announced today that the Mt. Sinai Fire District will receive a federal grant of $470,585 in round 32 of the FY 2012 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
The Mt. Sinai Fire District will use the federal funding to address much needed equipment upgrades, most specifically to modernize outdated communications equipment in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations requiring radio communications to migrate to narrow band channels. Narrow band radio transmissions will allow for more efficient and dependable communication between emergency responders.
Sitting just south of Mt. Sinai Harbor and the Long Island Sound, The Mt. Sinai Fire District has been an integral part of the community since 1930, serving Mt. Sinai’s over 10,000 residents as well as the waterways in the area.
“With this funding, firefighters at the Mt. Sinai Fire District can focus on their important work knowing that they have reliable new equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment for updated radios will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work and will enable them to respond as effectively and safely as possible.”
“This is an important investment for the Mt. Sinai Fire District,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s our responsibility to ensure our first responders have the most up-to-date equipment to serve our communities. The new equipment upgrades will help the Mt. Sinai Fire District respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively, and help save more lives.”
“The funding provided to the Mt. Sinai Fire District will ensure that our first responders are equipped with the best resources available to handle any emergency situation,” said Congressman Bishop. “This is an investment in the future safety and protection of our emergency personnel and the communities they serve.” Last July, Congressman Bishop wrote a letter to FEMA in support of Mt. Sinai’s application for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
“This Grant Award will be used towards upgrading our 25 year old Radio Room and improving our fire ground radio interoperability,” said James Hansen, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. “These upgrades will improve firefighter safety and help us provide better fire protection for our community now and in the future.”
Administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the AFG is designed to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation’s overall level of preparedness. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/