Malliotakis Secures $9+ Million for FDNY Upgrades in Staten Island and Brooklyn
(STATEN ISLAND & BROOKLYN, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) announced more than $9 million in federal funding she secured and earmarked for the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), supporting upgrades to critical equipment and facilities serving Staten Island and Brooklyn. She was joined by FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore and Department leaders as she highlighted the investments during visits to Brooklyn and Staten Island.
This announcement secures funding for four major projects:
STATEN ISLAND:
$5 million will be used to renovate a building on Staten Island that will be used for EMS classroom training, ensuring first responders receive high-quality instruction close to home.
$2 million for FDNY Squad 8 Firehouse renovations, supporting essential improvements to the borough’s only Squad company so firefighters can safely respond to fire and medical emergencies.
$1 million was secured for FDNY Engine 155/Ladder 78 Generator Improvements, helping ensure continuous operations so first responders can protect residents when they are needed most.
BROOKLYN:
$1.23 million for FDNY Engine 284/Ladder 149/Satellite 3 will be used for generator upgrades to strengthen emergency readiness during major storms and power outages.
“This year, I’m proud to have secured over $9 million for the FDNY to strengthen EMS training, modernize firehouse infrastructure, and support the brave men and women who protect our communities,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.“New York’s Bravest deserve the very best modern equipment, safe facilities, and the tools required to do their jobs effectively and safely.”
"A heartfelt thanks to Congresswoman Malliotakis for her continued support of the Fire Department of New York. As we prepare to serve our communities for the next decades to come, this type of funding is crucial for our ability to do that. I also want to give a sincere thanks to you and those who worked on making sure that we have funding for our health benefits, for our World Trade Center Health Program. The people you see around me are heroes and they always will be, and it's great when the communities come together to try to support them. Your support for the Fire Department does not go unnoticed and it is consistent and constant and we appreciate you,” said FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore.
Project Overviews
New York City EMS Training Center - $5,000,000 (Staten Island)
The funding will be used to renovate a building on Staten Island that will be used for EMS classroom training. Currently, training for FDNY personnel requires members to be placed out of service, meaning that they are not available for duty, and to report to either Randall's Island (Manhattan) or Fort Totten (Northeastern Queens) for educational training. The rehabilitation of this building as a training center will allow firefighters and EMS members located in Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn to have a much shorter commute to and from training sessions and will mean more firefighters and EMS personnel being available to respond to emergencies. Additionally, in recent years, we have had a steady increase in our EMS class size. The current facilities available at Fort Totten are at maximum capacity and are unable to accommodate larger class sizes. The renovation of this facility will allow for the continued expansion of EMS class sizes and enable the Department to continue training new and existing EMS members.
FDNY Squad 8 Firehouse Renovations - $2,000,000 (Staten Island)
As the only Squad company in Staten Island, it is critical that the firehouse that is home to Squad 8 be safe and up-to-date. The project will benefit the members of Squad 8, who respond to fire and medical emergencies throughout the borough of Staten Island, which, in turn, will benefit the fire and life safety of all residents on the island. A more secure, accessible firehouse with the amenities to allow firefighters an opportunity to recover after a run will help secure the health and safety of all Staten Islanders. Squad companies are the most flexible and versatile FDNY units, as they can operate as engine companies, truck companies, rescue companies, or hazmat companies. Staten Island received its first ever squad company in 2018, when Squad 8 was moved into the firehouse that previously housed Engine 154. As Squad companies are larger, they require additional space and berthing for all the additional crews and equipment. Firefighters work around the clock to ensure the safety of residents and properties, responding day and night to both fire and medical emergencies. With firefighters working 24-hour shifts, the firehouse becomes their second home. The ability to have upgraded facilities, like kitchens, helps support members as they recover and prepare in between active calls.
FDNY Engine 284/Ladder 149/Satellite 3 Improvements - $1,230,000 (Brooklyn)
As the city sees more unprecedented weather events, it is imperative that our firehouses are equipped with the power and energy necessary to respond to emergencies, especially firehouses near large bodies of water. Having a generator in the event of a major weather event or power outage can even be a huge benefit for the community. Many of our firehouses are very old, with some over 100 years old. So renovating the firehouse can pose a challenge. Installation often requires facility build-outs or even roof reinforcement in order to accommodate the size and weight of the generator, so the project results in a price point significantly higher than an average home generator. The project will benefit the firefighters of Engine 284/Ladder 149/Satellite 3 who share the building, who respond to fire and medical emergencies throughout the borough of Staten Island, which, in turn, will benefit the fire and life safety of all residents on the island. Ensuring that the firehouse stays running during major weather events or power outages means that our first responders will always be able to protect their community and will help secure the health and safety of all residents in South Brooklyn.
FDNY Engine 155/Ladder 78 Generator Improvements - $1,000,000 (Staten Island)
The funding will benefit the firefighters of Engine 155 and Ladder 78 who share the building, who respond to fire and medical emergencies throughout the borough of Staten Island, which, in turn, will benefit the fire and life safety of all residents on the island. Ensuring that the firehouse stays running during major weather events or power outages means that our first responders will always be able to protect their community and will help secure the health and safety of all Staten Islanders.