Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced that the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire District will receive a grant totaling $249,920 and the New Hyde Park Fire District will receive a grant totaling $164,295 in Round 8 of the FY11 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG awards are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and are designed to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
“This investment will be a big help to the Manhasset-Lakeville and New Hyde Park Fire Districts,” said Schumer. “These funds will guarantee that our local first responders have tools they need to carry out their life-saving work as efficiently and safely as possible.”
“This funding will help equip Manhasset-Lakeville and New Hyde Park Fire Districts with the necessary resources that are essential to saving lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will continue working to ensure that our first responders and community residents have the tools they need to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Tom Devaney, JSK Public Safety Consultants, representing the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire District, said “I wish to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their assistance in obtaining the first downstate regional award ever. The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire District in coordination with their local partners, the Great Neck Alerts Fire Company, the Great Neck Vigilants Fire Company, and the Albertson Fire Company are extremely grateful for the award of $249,000 for the purchase of a Driver’s Trainer Simulator. With this tool, the above named fire companies can train their members in all weather without putting a single apparatus on the road enhancing the safety of all civilians and firefighters. This piece of equipment will be utilized by approximately 750 firefighters, operating 26 engines, 8 heavy rescues, 5 ladder trucks, 50 square miles, protecting 151,000 in population.”
John Divello, Commissioner of the New Hyde Park Fire Department, said “The New Hyde Park Fire Department would like to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for assistance in obtaining our AFGP award. We are replacing a 26 year old rescue truck with a safe modern vehicle, complaint to state and federal standards, which will serve the New Hyde Park and surrounding communities.”
Manhasset-Lakeville will use their funds for a driving simulator that simulates the interior of vehicles under different weather conditions, allowing firefighters to conduct training without endangering motorists. The simulator will also be used by the Great Neck Alert FD, Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company and Albertson FD. New Hyde Park will use their funds to replace their old heavy rescue truck, which they’ve had since 1987. Heavy rescue trucks are used for emergency road accidents.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) provides funding to local fire departments to help them improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration. 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/