(Capital Rollout Project) New York State Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith Secures $250,000 For Point Breeze Fire Department Inc., For Replacement Of Primary Fire Apparatus

(New York, NY)- Senate President Malcolm A. Smith secured $250,000 for the Point Breeze Fire Department , Inc. located in Breezy Point, New York, to purchase new primary fire-fighting apparatus.

“New York’s bravest give their lives for New Yorkers every day. In order for them to better serve the community they must have up-to-date equipment. The money I secured for  Point Breeze will allow them to purchase new top-of-the-line fire-fighting apparatus,” said Smith.

Point Breeze Fire Department  Commander Kurt Bruder said: “We are thrilled that Senate President Malcolm A. Smith awarded us with such a significant amount of money. Not only will we be able to purchase new equipment, the money will also help with maintenance and operating costs.”

The Point Breeze Fire Department is one of the very few volunteer fire departments wholly within New York City. The department is located in Smith’s district,  on the Western end of the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens County and is self sustaining financially through community support and public grants. The fire house is located 15 miles south of the World Trade Center and on September 11th, 2001, were called upon to relocate and provide firefighters to an FDNY firehouse while their company recloated to respond to rescue/recovery efforts at the trade Center. On November 12, 2001 the 60 members of the fire house were called to assist with the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 on takeoff from John F. Kennedy Airport, which occurred only three miles from the fire house in Belle Harbor.

Commander Bruder also said: Our members are responsible to protect and serve our community. With the funds allocated to us we will now be able  to purchase a NFPA/OSHA complaint replacement pumper to replace their existing one from 1984.

“ I am  glad to help. I know this will really make a strong impact and better improve the department,” concluded Senator Smith.