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Light Rain Federal dollars for ERFD
Grant comes through for East Rockaway to recruit firefighters
The East Rockaway Fire Department is one of two departments in Nassau County that have received federal funding from the Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program.
U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced on Aug. 31 that a total of $973,580 would go to the East Rockaway and Port Jefferson departments. The ERFD will receive $822,580, to be used for firefighter recruitment, while the Port Washington department will get $151,000.
“These essential federal funds will provide the East Rockaway and Port Washington fire departments with the resources they need to recruit and train the next generation of firefighters,” Schumer said. “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.”
“The Village of East Rockaway appreciates the assistance of our federal officials who worked to secure this grant for our volunteer first responders,” said Mayor Bruno Romano. “Our East Rockaway Fire Department is always there, protecting neighbors all year long, no matter the type of emergency — from fires to water and medical rescues. Our community is lucky that, at no additional cost to taxpayers, these federal dollars will guarantee our local heroes have the training, equipment and resources they need to protect our village and community.”
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants were established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, within the Department of Homeland Security, to provide funding to fire departments to help them increase the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in their communities.
The goal of the grants is to enhance fire departments’ ability to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
“These federal funds will help prepare our firefighters on Long Island when they risk their lives, go into harm’s way and rescue people from deadly fires,” Gillibrand said. “I am very pleased that this funding was awarded to the East Rockaway and Port Washington fire departments, and 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 effectively.”
