Lynbrook Fire Department gets federal grant

The Lynbrook fire department will use the $115,000 award from the federal government for retention and recruitment within the village, according to Lynbrook Mayor William Hendrick.

“We are gratified That FEMA recognizes that the Long Island region is protected by volunteer firefighters, which provide a tremendous cost savings to local property taxpayers.”

The award is a no-match grant, which will be allotted over the next four years. The award was made under the federal “safer” award program and will concentrate on recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. It will provide funding for activities including marketing, enhanced insurance incentives, physicals for new members, funding for certain equipment and required training. “By applying for grants, we are attempting to keep local taxes down, enhance services, and improve firefighter safety,” added Hendrick.

Defibs for Greis Park

FEMA has concluded funding a previously awarded federal grant which will provide for purchasing semi-automatic defibrillators for Greis Park athletic and other village facilities. Defibrillators are an important lifesaving tool that helps the public and first responders in aiding victims of cardiac arrest. The final purchase of $19,000 concludes a 2009 $38,000 award for the devices.