By Andrew Strickler
Newsday
Copyright 2007 Newsday, Inc.

SUFFOLK, N.Y. — U.S. grant to develop fire, emergency aid

Suffolk County will receive a federal grant worth $1.16 million to expand fire and other emergency services, officials said.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the money, which came from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will be used to hire, recruit, and retain firefighters.

"These funds are truly a life-saving investment that will provide local fire departments with essential resources and support, so they can be better prepared for emergencies," Schumer said in a statement.

The program has delivered more than $130 million to New York fire departments since 2001, Schumer said.