East Rockaway Firefighters to get their ‘fair share’

The East Rockaway Fire Department will get its “fair share” of resources to purchase equipment with a $14,250 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy.

“Our local fire departments protect us during disasters and emergencies, and sometimes they need our help, too,” McCarthy said. The congresswoman announced that East Rockaway was one of two departments in her district that will receive federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants. Bellerose Terrace will get $34,675.
“Our Fire Department has once again proved their ability to win competitive grants for the betterment of the residents of our great village,” said East Rockaway Mayor Francis Lenahan.

This is the 10th consecutive year that the department has been awarded a Homeland Security grant. In total, it has received more than $1.85 million. The grants help the department recruit and retain volunteer members, and to purchase essential equipment without passing the costs along to local taxpayers.

Edward Reicherter, chief of the department, said that the latest grant would help firefighters procure the protective and lifesaving equipment they need to do their jobs. “I would like to thank my department’s grant committee for the hard work and dedication they gave towards reaching this goal,” Reicherter said. “These grants are competitive, and require many hours of research and documentation to show our compliance with federal safety and staffing mandates. I’m very proud of the hardworking men and women of my all-volunteer Fire Department, and the dedication they display on a daily basis.”

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants is to meet the needs of fire departments and emergency medical service organizations. For the past 12 years, the grants have helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed protective gear, emergency vehicles and training.

“I encourage all local departments to apply for federal grants, and ask their member of Congress for help, so that Long Island gets its fair share of resources,” McCarthy said.

How do you apply for a grant?
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy holds workshops on federal grants for fire departments in her district, and advises them on how to apply for them. Fire department representatives can contact McCarthy’s district office at (516) 739-3008.

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