Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $311,850 in federal funding for the Central Islip Fire District. These federal dollars will be used by the Central Islip Fire District for equipment vital to the firefighter’s safety. The funding is allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“This is a great investment for Central Islip,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This federal investment will help improve the fire district’s equipment, help local firefighters do their work and keep families safe. I will continue working to ensure our first responders have the tools and resources they need to keep our communities safe.”
“Support from President Obama, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer and Representative Israel ensure that the safety of our nation’s firefighters is a top priority, and we thank them in their efforts to reduce the tax burden on Long Island families,” said Phil Falco, Chief, Central Islip Fire District. “The SCBA is the backbone of a firefighter’s protective gear. No longer will the Central Islip Firefighters have to put their lives on the line with antiquated equipment that could jeopardize their safety. This grant will ensure that our volunteers go home to their families after every emergency, without adding to the substantial tax burden carried by the Central Islip community.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, established by DHS and FEMA, is a competitive grant program that 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 will also help provide emergency response training to firefighters.