Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $82,730 in federal funding for the Vigilant Engine and Hook & Ladder Co., Inc. in Great Neck. These federal dollars will be used by the Vigilant Fire Company to recruit additional first responders. The funding is allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.
“This is a great investment for Great Neck,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This federal investment will help improve the fire department’s ability to respond and keep families safe. I will continue working to ensure our first responders have the tools and resources they need to keep our communities safe.”
“During these challenging economic times, where literally every dollar counts, it is reassuring to know that we can now dedicate the needed time and resources to recruiting new members to our volunteer fire company,” Chief Scott MacDonald said. “Having this grant comes with a zero match offers a great relief to our tax payers and budget.”
The SAFER program, established by DHS, is part of an effort to help fire departments across the country increase the number of firefighters in our communities, including re-hiring those that lost their jobs during the economic crisis. This program awards federal funding to fire departments to help them provide round-the-clock staffing to their communities from dangerous fire-related hazards.