Inwood, Lawrence-Cedarhurst fire departments receive $293K in federal grants
Federal Assistance to Firefighters funds will go toward a new ambulance in Inwood and new turnout gear in Lawrence-Cedarhurst.
The Inwood and Lawrence-Cedarhurst fire departments were awarded a combined $293,333 in federal funding for equipment and protective gear, according to the Nassau Herald. Both departments applied through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Inwood received more than $220,476 to help buy a new ambulance. Chief of Department Josiyah Green said the current ambulance is more than 15 years old and that new ambulances typically cost between $220,000 and $300,000. He said the department's power-loading stretcher alone is an $80,000 investment, and that the monitors and AEDs needed to keep the ambulance state certified add to the cost. Green said the department responded to 60 ambulance calls in September and 15 from October 10 to 12. He credited Melissa Rivelli, the Inwood Fire District's assistant district manager, with securing the funding.
Lawrence-Cedarhurst received $72,857 to replace and upgrade turnout gear. Former chief Michael Beilinson said the department plans to buy at least 15 sets at roughly $7,000 each. He said the National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing turnout gear after 10 years, though wear depends on how active a member is and the nature of their calls. The source did not say when the new gear is expected to arrive.