Rep. Carolyn McCarthy announced the opening of the Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program application period for local fire departments.

The current application period opened on Jan. 30 and ends on Feb. 24.

“During tough times like these, these grants can help Long Island fire departments get the equipment and staffing they need to keep our communities safe,” McCarthy said. “I encourage every fire department in my district to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The SAFER program is a funding initiative designed to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to fire and fire related hazards and to improve overall preparedness by enhancing the ability of grantees to attain and maintain 24-hour staffing. The objective of the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters is to create a more favorable working environment for volunteer firefighters by encouraging current volunteers to continue as well as entice new volunteers to join.

Last year, the Williston Park and Lawrence-Cedarhurst fire departments in McCarthy’s district received more than $66,000 under the SAFER program.

“Our volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line every day and Congress must continue to provide them with the resources that they need to meet the challenges that they face,” McCarthy said. “I encourage all my local fire departments and emergency response teams to take advantage of this program and apply for federal dollars.”

For more information on firefighter grant programs, contact McCarthy’s office at 516-739-3008.