Eastport, NY - August 17, 2017 - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced today that the Eastport Fire District has been awarded a $313,334 grant for communication equipment through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. Funding from this regional grant will be used at the Eastport, East Moriches and Westhampton Beach fire districts.
Congressman Zeldin said, “I am proud to announce that this essential funding has been awarded to the Eastport, East Moriches and Westhampton Beach fire districts to update important communication equipment, such as pagers, phones and radios, which are relied upon by our local first responders. Our firefighters put our lives on the line everyday to protect our communities, and ensuring they have access to the best possible equipment must always be a top priority.”
Thomas Collins, Commissioner of the Eastport Fire District, said, “On behalf of the residents of the Eastport, East Moriches, and Westhampton Beach Fire Districts, we would like to thank Congressman Zeldin for his assistance in obtaining this award. Fire grants provide a path to increase firefighter safety, enhance fire safety in our communities, and keep taxes down while improving compliance with national standards.”
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. In May 2017, Congressman Zeldin voted for HR 244, which was signed into law. This legislation funded the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program at $345 million dollars, which was $10 million above the President's request. Congressman Zeldin and his staff have also met with a number of Fire Departments across the district to assist them with securing grant funding and discuss a number of communication equipment and other related issues.