The Sloatsburg Fire Department’s recent colorful mid-August Classic Car Show featured a special guest bearing a great gift.

Rockland U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey made an appearance at the car show and gathered firefighters together, including Village Trustee Peter Akey, to announce that Sloatsburg’s volunteer fire department was the recipient of a 2013 FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) for radio equipment.

The  $70,774 grant will be an essential ingredient in the department’s future success of as it uses the funds to co-ordinate communications with Rockland County. Sloatsburg’s fire department not only responds to local village calls but is also a first responder to NY Thruway calls and other critical areas in Western Ramapo.

“New Yorkers know all too well that without proper safety and communications equipment, we risk the lives of emergency responders and local residents during emergencies,” said Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland). “We must ensure firefighters who are performing a critical public service – like those at the Sloatsburg Volunteer Fire Department – have the resources to protect themselves and the public,” the Congresswoman said.

Lowey also kicked in $250 to the Sloatsburg Fire Department fundraiser.

SFD 2nd Assistant Chief Matthew Stritmater took the initiative as the department’s lead grant writer, and once again proved a key resource in helping upgrade equipment.

“We are an all-volunteer fire department serving a small village, and as is the case throughout the State, our budget for necessary equipment is incredibly tight,” said Stritmater. “We will be using the funds from this grant to purchase radio equipment so we can fully participate in the brand new, state-of-the-art Rockland County Public Safety Communications System.”

Stritmater thanked Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Charles Schumer and Congresswoman Lowey for their continued support of the department.

The SFD, led by Stritmater, recently installed a state-of-the-art Red Alerts records management communications center that digitally tracks all fire calls. The Red Alert system was mostly paid for via the SFD’s annual fund drive — so pitching a few coins into a can really does make a difference.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (center) surrounded by Rockland Democrats during her 2014 re-election campaign kickoff announcement.

Congresswoman Lowey serves as the ranking Democrat on the House Appropritations Committee and is running for re-election this November against Republican Chris Day, son of Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

Sloatsburg Mayor Carl S. Wright said “It’s obvious that much effort, time, and commitment by the Congresswoman were given to this request.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency grant is part of  a Department of Homeland Security initiative to strengthen preparedness of local fire departments. AFG grants are awarded directly to fire departments and non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations (EMS).

“This equipment will enhance the Sloatsburg Volunteer Fire Department’s ability to communicate with law enforcement and emergency services. Reducing response times and improving coordination will help save more lives.

Stritmater also led the department’s installation in the state-of-the-art Red Alerts records management communications center that digitally tracks all fire calls.

Paid for mostly by via the SFD’s annual fund drive, the Red Alert dispatch system includes a partial GPS system that allows the department to track call locations throughout the village while also  tracking active village fire hydrants.

Stritmater also manages the SFD’s website, which he has been progressively upgrading and enhancing, and currently features a thread of recent SFD calls.

“This equipment will enhance the Sloatsburg Volunteer Fire Department’s ability to communicate with law enforcement and emergency services,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “In my role as the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, I will fight to make sure these important services continue to receive federal funding to help improve public safety and to relieve burdens on local taxpayers,” Lowey said.