Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy announced this week that the US Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Stewart Manor Fire Department with a grant for $33,250. The grant is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The fire department will use these funds towards the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) filling station. This grant will allow Stewart Manor's firefighters to have an adequate supply of their SCBA systems ready to go at a moment's notice.

"Stewart Manor's firefighters responded to nearly 500 calls last year, both in Stewart Manor and in neighboring fire districts," Congresswoman McCarthy said. "We cannot ask so much of these firefighters without making sure they have up to date safety equipment."

McCarthy has held an annual grants workshop to help fire departments prepare effective grant proposals. Since the first workshop in 2003, more than $2.5 million in Assistance to Firefighters grants have been awarded to 4th Congressional District firefighters.

"Since 9/11, our firefighters have been charged with new responsibilities," she continued. "Congress must continue to provide local fire departments with the resources to meet these new challenges."

This year's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program seminar will be held Feb. 26 at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum. All firefighters are welcome to attend. For more information, call 739-3008.