WASHINGTON – The Lake Huntington Fire Company has been awarded a $35,526 federal grant to purchase new equipment. The funds, which cover 95 percent of the cost of the new equipment, come from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Fire Administration. 

The fire all volunteer fire company will buy a heavy duty washing machine to clean its turnout (protective) gear as well as an emergency power generator for the firehouse. 

The funds will also help purchase a system that will refill their self-contained breathing apparatus tanks.   The Lake Huntington Fire Company previously received federal funding for 30 sets of turnout gear and a thermal imaging camera to help firefighters see through smoke, darkness, or heat-permeable barriers.

"These federal funds will allow the Lake Huntington Fire Company to purchase much-needed equipment that enables its volunteers to continue to provide the highest level of service to the community," said Congressman Maurice Hinchey, who made the announcement.

"The new washing machine will help to maintain and protect the fire company's significant investment in new protective equipment, which was funded through this grant program last year.  The backup generator for the firehouse is an absolute necessity for power outages, and the new air filling system will allow the fire company to stay in compliance with new safety standards."