The Mineola Fire Department has received a $270,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security for the purchase of new breathing apparatuses and other pieces of equipment.
Secured by senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both Democrats, officials said the grant enables Mineola to make a one-time purchase for the entire department instead of phasing out the transactions for a few firefighters each year.
“This is the best news I’ve heard,” Clark said. “This enables us to update our inventory and get every firefighter working with the same equipment,” Mineola fire Chief Jeff Clark said in a statement.
The grants are awarded as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters program and it requires fire departments to annually apply. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need.
“First responders are our primary line of defense – they safeguard our residents and protect our property. It’s crucial that we provide our fire departments support to purchase the equipment they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability,” Schumer said in a statement.
Added Gillibrand: “The Mineola Fire Department will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep firefighters safe during emergency situations. Our first responders are on the frontlines during emergencies and should have the most up-to-date equipment to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively.”
