Police

Jamesport Fire Department getting $25K for gear

The Jamesport Fire Department. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch, file)
The Jamesport Fire Department. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch, file)

The Jamesport Fire Department is receiving nearly $25,000 in federal funding to purchase of new gear for firefighters.

The department is one of three in Suffolk County that were awarded a portion of a $583,786 grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced Monday.

With the funds, Jamesport Fire Department will buy four coats, eight fire resistant hoods worn under helmets and ten pairs of thermal pants with knee protection.

This is the first time in seven years the department received grant funding for equipment, Jamesport Fire Department Chief Sean McCabe said.

“We are thrilled,” he said. “It brings us up to date National Fire Protection Association certifications as far as gear and protective clothing.”

The department applied for the grant in last fall and found out last week they were awarded the funding. News came just before the department’s 59th Annual Bazaar and Fundraiser, a yearly carnival the department has from Tuesday through Friday that also includes a parade and fireworks.

Medford Fire District is set to receive the lion’s share of the grant funding — $476,820 to be exact — to buy 82 self-contained breathing apparatus.  Gordon Heights Fire District will get just over $80,000 to retrofit diesel exhaust systems to a half-dozen fire trucks.

Senator Schumer was an original sponsor of the legislation that led to the creation of this funding program that aims to help offset the rising costs of equipment and fire prevention.

“With this funding, first responders in Suffolk County can focus on their important work knowing they have new, reliable and protective equipment,” said Senator Schumer in a statement. “This investment will help ensure that our local heroes can continue their life-saving work as effectively and safely as possible.”