EMFD Obtains $300K State Grant from Sen. Thomas to Purchase New Ambulances

(East Meadow, NY) — New York State Senator Kevin Thomas recently stopped by East Meadow Fire Department headquarters to present a check representing a $300,000 state grant for replacing two of the department’s aging fleet of ambulances, which are among the most heavily used apparatus in the district. The funding, made to the East Meadow Fire District, is part of the State and Municipalities funding program and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

The recent development of high-density housing units throughout the district over the past decade, mostly geared toward older adults, has increased requests for emergency medical services from the East Meadow Fire Department’s Rescue Company #5.  Additional development plans and continued growth will add to the demands place on the fire department’s ambulances.

The new ambulances, one of which will be located at fire headquarters, and the other to be based at Station 4 off Carman Avenue in the northern portion of the district, will replace vehicles that have served the community for nearly 15-years. 

“This year, more than ever, we have been repeatedly reminded of the sacrifices made by all those in the emergency responder community as they work tirelessly to protect us against COVID-19 and keep our community safe in these challenging times. It takes a very special kind of person to put your life on the line for a complete stranger. Yet that is what we see day in, day out from the remarkable men and women of the East Meadow Fire Department,” said Senator Kevin Thomas. “I am pleased to announce this grant, which will support emergency service members at the East Meadow Fire Department and ensure they have the resources to continue doing what they do best -- saving lives and keeping our community safe.” 

“East Meadow Fire Department’s ambulances are subject to wear and tear based on the volume of emergency medical and fire calls we respond to,” explained Commissioner John J. Priest, who was on-hand to receive the check. “We appreciate Senator Thomas’s assistance in securing the funds necessary to help us upgrade our ambulance fleet.”

Commissioner Carey A. Welt, who also attended the check presentation, stated, “Senator Thomas is a strong advocate for the volunteer fire and EMS services, as well as the taxpayer of the fire district. His help in obtaining the grant will enable the East Meadow Fire Department to continue to provide a high level of emergency medical response to the community.”

The new ambulances are expected to arrive in East Meadow in 2021 and will be outfitted with the latest emergency medical equipment and life-saving support.

For more information about the fire district, or to learn about volunteer opportunities with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.