The US Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Stewart Manor Fire Department with a $100,976 grant, administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The department will use these funds towards the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) gear. Currently, some Stewart Manor firefighters use SCBA units that are more than 15 years old.

"Stewart Manor's firefighters responded to more than 375 calls last year, both in Stewart Manor and while providing help to neighboring fire departments," Congresswoman Carolyn 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 grant 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," the congresswoman noted. "Congress must continue to provide local fire departments with the resources to meet these new challenges."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments. In 2005, the US Department of Homeland Security will award $600 million in grants to improve the effectiveness of fire-fighting operations across the country.

"We recognize the importance of the Fire Act Grants to our nation's fire departments and we will continue to work closely with the fire service community to meet their needs," Matt Mayer, acting executive director of the Office for State and Local Government Coordination & Preparedness (SLGCP), said.