Williston Park FD gets SAFER grant

Richard Tedesco

With an assist from U.S., Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola), the Williston Park Fire Department has secured a $56,000 grant for recruitment and training.

McCarthy helped the department obtain the grant with a letter of support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The money will be provided through the Department of Homeland Security for its Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program.

“Ensuring the health and safety of my constituents is a top priority for me in Congress,” McCarthy said. “This includes making sure that our local fire departments have the staff necessary to fight dangerous fires and respond to life threatening medical emergencies in our communities.”

The SAFER program awards one-year grants to local fire departments through a competitive process.

Williston Park Mayor Paul Ehrhar was pleased with the news about the grant.

“We’re very appreciative of receiving the grant,” Ehrbar said. “Anything to help the fire department maintain and recruit staff is a good thing.”

Williston Park Fire Department Chief Tony Gagliardi was unavailable to comment on the funding.

McCarthy had recently helped to secure $10,218 in a grant under the same program for the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department.

Reach reporter Richard Tedesco by e-mail at rtedesco@theislandnow.com or by phone at 516.307.1045 x204

 

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