Rep. Zeldin Announces Over $750k More in Federal Funding for Local Fire Departments

PATCHOGUE, New York, Sept. 10 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release on Sept. 9:

Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced $769,809.53 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) for fire departments in New York's First Congressional District. These additional regional grants have been awarded to Wading River Fire District and Orient Fire District.

These additional grants come on the heels of the nearly $700,000 awarded to Brookhaven Fire District, including Center Moriches, Mastic Beach and Brookhaven Fire Departments, Montauk Fire District, Jamesport Fire District and Gordon Heights Fire District last month.

Congressman Zeldin said, "Our local first responders are our first line of defense. On a moment's notice, they put their lives on the line every day to protect ours. Their commitment to our communities has earned nothing less than our unwavering support and all of the resources they need to safely and effectively do their jobs. Delivering Long Islanders' hard-earned tax dollars back into our communities through our local fire departments continues our investment in that promise."

$525,238.10 has been awarded to Orient Fire District for the procurement of a new fire truck.

Orient Fire District Chairman of the Board of FIre Commissioners Peter Nathanson said, "The Orient Fire District, the Orient Fire Department and the taxpayers of Orient will benefit greatly by the grant given to the district to purchase a new fire truck. This new vehicle will take the place of two older trucks to perform as 'first due' and also contain the equipment for heavy rescue work. The trucks it will replace are almost 30 and 40 year old vehicles. Our thanks go out to FEMA and Congressman Lee Zeldin for this grant approval."

$244,571.43 has been awarded to Wading River Fire District for the procurement of 10 portable radios, which are carried by individual firefighters to transmit emergency messages at fires, auto accidents and EMS emergencies, and 20 vehicle mobile radios, which are permanently installed inside of mobile fire apparatus and ambulances to transmit and receive emergency messages.

Wading River Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners said, "We appreciate the assistance of Congressman Zeldin in securing $244,571.43 for our fire district. Federal tax funds returned to Long Island in the form of the fire grant program will help the local economy and increase the safety of our residents, workforce, first responders, and visitors to our community. Thank you to Congressman Lee Zeldin for his support!"

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) helps fire departments, emergency medical service organizations, and other first responders receive the necessary equipment, vehicles, training, and other resources needed to ensure public safety. Congressman Zeldin urged full funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program for Fiscal Year 2020.