Holbrook FD Awarded $112K in FEMA Funding

The Holbrook Fire Department was awarded $112,500 in federal funding to purchase a new fire alarm system, including smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, for the fire station. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, according to Sen. Charles Schumer.

“By creating a modern fire alarm system in the Holbrook Fire District, this investment will help save lives,” said Schumer, in a statement. “These funds will guarantee that our local first responders have the tools they need to carry out their life-saving work as efficiently and safely as possible.”

The Holbrook Fire Department covers more than 11 square miles, serving a population of more than 7,000 families in Suffolk County. The department has 125 firefighters and EMTs who respond to approximately 2,200 calls annually, according to Schumer's office.

Schumer and Sen. Gillibrand wrote FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate to urge the Administration to fully fund the Holbrook Fire District’s request so that they could upgrade their emergency response equipment.

“On behalf of the community and the personnel I thank you for your assistance,” said Holbrook Fire District Commissioner, Joel Vetter, in a statement. “This award will allow the district to provide a single modern fire alarms system within the district. This project combined with current district infrastructure will allow for the development of a mass notification and monitoring system of high risk areas and threats. Ultimately placing life safety is the number one priority for the emergency responders and the community.”