Smithtown Fire Department Lands $84K Grant

The Smithtown Fire Department will receive $84,825 from a federal fire grant to be used to set up a system to remove lingering and dangerous diesel fumes in its local firehouse.

The grant, secured by U.S. Reps. Tim Bishop and Steve Israel and Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, falls under the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which allows fire companies to apply for money that can be used for firefighter training, protective equipment, wellness, fitness, and upgrades to fire stations.

According to Bishop's office, diesel exhaust is found in most fire stations, often a result of vehicles idling in the station. The new system will attach hoses to the exhaust pipes of the department vehicles, capturing the exhaust.

"We plan to maintain the health and safety of our firefighters with the purchase of the equipment necessary to install a Nederman Vehicle Exhaust system at our Main Headquarters," Smithtown Fire District Commissioner Tom Buffa said in a statement.

According to Bishop's office, Smithtown department officials attended grant workshops run by the congressman, which helped them to prepare their grant application.