Port Washington gets $500G to hire four new firefighters
A fire at Hinck's Deli on Port Washington Boulevard in Port Washington caused a major traffic jam in the area Thursday morning. The store was damaged by heavy smoke and water and County Fire Marshals were called to the scene. (July 12, 2012) Credit: Lou Minutoli
The Port Washington Fire Department will receive a grant of more than $500,000 to hire four new career firefighters.
The $507,200 grant is part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants, as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Robert Kropacek, chairman of the board of directors of the volunteer Port Washington Fire Department, said in a statement that the grant would be used to hire firefighters to cover shifts that can be more challenging to fill, such as daytime shifts.
“This award will bolster and enhance the response of our volunteer firefighters in responding to emergencies, especially during the daytime hours, when many volunteers are at work or in school,” Kropacek said.
He said the department had not yet considered whether to extend the program past the two years the grant covers.
Photo: Port Washington firefighters respond to a fire at Hinck's Deli. (July 12, 2012)
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article did not state clearly that the grant would be used to hire career firefighters. The grant will not be used for facilities or equipment.
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