Listen to this articleNew York State is investing $5.3 million in Long Island volunteer firefighting training and facilities, including a new fire department museum.
“New York’s firefighters serve with unparalleled bravery and dedication,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release on Tuesday about the new funding, which was announced at the Deer Park Fire Department. “Every day, they risk their lives to protect others, often on a volunteer basis, and today we recognize their extraordinary contributions by investing in critical resources for these heroes.”
The funding comes at a time when Long Island volunteers run nearly all 179 departments in Nassau and Suffolk counties, according to state officials, which they say saves local taxpayers billions of dollars a year.
The funding includes $3 million for the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department Museum, which would aim to preserve and share the stories of firefighters from the past, present and future. The museum will be housed in a repurposed motel, and will be designed to serve as an educational and community space.
The funding also includes $1.85 million to expand the South Floral Park Fire Department Training Center, which in 10 years increased its department of 20 members to 51. The funding is designed to provide new resources to enhance training.
In addition, $300,000 is for capital improvements at the Suffolk County Fire Academy to upgrade training equipment.