Long Island, N.Y. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $661,985 in federal funding for the Lawrence Cedarhurst Fire Department Inc., Oyster Bay Fire Co. No. 1 and Bay Shore Fire Department. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. Specifically, the Lawrence Cedarhurst Fire Department Inc. will receive $499,200 to hire new firefighters, Oyster Bay Fire Co. No. 1 will receive $102,701 to improve recruitment and retention of firefighters, and Bay Shore Fire Department will receive $60,084 to improve recruitment and retention of firefighters.
“These essential federal funds will provide the Lawrence Cedarhurst Fire Department, Oyster Bay Fire Company and Bay Shore Fire Department with the resources they need to recruit and train the next generation of firefighters,” said Senator Schumer. “Our first responders are local heroes and the primary line of defense in emergencies. They put their lives on the line every day to protect our residents, property, and community. That’s why they deserve a well-trained cohort of new staff to do their jobs to the best of their ability, and keep our community safe. It is vital that we provide them the support they need, and I am proud to fight for funding that supports our first responders.”
“These federal funds will help provide our firefighters on Long Island with the resources they need to respond to emergency situations,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Recruiting additional firefighters will improve response time and enhance public safety on Long Island. I will continue to fight in the Senate to make sure more of our local fire departments have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), established by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.