Newsday

Two fire departments get federal grants

Two Long Island fire districts are the only two in the state so far to receive micro­grants from the federal govern­ment through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The Dix Hills and New Hyde Park fire departments were notified May 2 that they were awarded the grants. Dix Hills will use its $24,974 grant to purchase two air bottles, one face piece, and one self­contained breathing apparatus for firefighters. “FEMA fire grants improve services, keep local taxes down, and enhance firefighter safety while returning federal tax dollars to New York,” said Tom Devaney, director of operations at Williston Park­based JSK Inc., the company that prepared the grant applica­tions. New Hyde Park fire officials received $24,273 for equipment to protect firefighters from heat, smoke, and flames during fires or hazardous materials incidents. The equipment includes boots, helmets, gloves, coat, fire retardant hoods, and bunker pants. “Prior funding items have included training, recruitment and in 2010 provided funding for the new rescue truck,” Devaney said. He said requesting an amount less than $25,000 expedited the awards. Re­quests for higher amounts can result in a year Jong wait for a final determination by the Federal Emergency Manage­ment Administration. More grants across the state are to be announced in the coming weeks.
DEBORAH S. MORRIS