Yorktown Heights Fire District receives state anti-terrorism grant for search and rescue capabilities

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY - Senator Terrence Murphy today announced the Yorktown Heights Fire District has received a grant from the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) of $68,618 for the enhancement of technical rescue capabilities. The funding will go to support a swiftwater rescue program to better respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.

"The continued threat of radical Islamic terrorism has underscored the need to strengthen our emergency preparedness programs and other anti-terrorism efforts," Senator Murphy said. "The grant, part of a broader $4.5 million package of DHSES homeland security grants, demonstrates our commitment to keeping everyone safe."

Funding for these programs was made available by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the State Homeland Security Program. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders.

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said, "Our local law enforcement officers and other first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our families. These critical investments will help provide the tools and training they need to save lives, strengthen our communities, and come home safe at the end of each day."

The funding comes from the Technical Rescue & Urban Search and Rescue Grant Program, which provides eligible teams such as the Yorktown Heights Fire District with funding to sustain advance their capabilities. Specific emphasis is placed on the development of regional partnerships to efficiently enhance response operations. Through targeted planning, equipment acquisition, training and exercise activities, these grant funds will be used to enhance the ability of these teams to save lives during disasters.

Yorktown Heights Fire District Chief Jeff Slotoroff said, "I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Senator Murphy and to all the representatives of DHSES for their continued support. This funding opportunity greatly enhances the capabilities of the Yorktown Heights Fire District in keeping the residents, commuters, and visitors throughout our town, county, and state, safe. The grant further shows and reaffirms the concern and values our elected officials place in protecting the citizens from all types of incidents. Thank you!"

Martin McGannon, a commissioner of the Yorktown Heights Fire District, said "Members of the Fire District board and senior staff are always looking for ways to save our taxpayers a little money. With the help of our representative Senator Murphy and representatives of DHSES, this was possible. The Yorktown Heights Board of Commissioners would like to extend sincere thanks to Senator Murphy and the representatives of DHSES. We would also like to acknowledge the hard work of Chief Slotoroff and Lieutenant Vergo for their time they put into this grant."