Smithtown Awarded $200K Emergency Operations Grant

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN, NY — The Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety has been awarded $200K through the Federal Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program, provided by FEMA, according to a news release. The grant, the town states, will enhance its emergency preparedness capabilities.

The funding, announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul, will allow Smithtown to upgrade its EOC facilities, improving coordination and response efforts in times of crisis.

"Effective communication during a disaster is the cornerstone of emergency management," Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said in a news release. "We're especially grateful to Governor Hochul for this funding, which will allow the Town of Smithtown to enhance our local emergency operations facilities, ensuring we are well-equipped to protect our residents and coordinate response efforts during emergencies."

The EOC Grant Program supports projects that equip, upgrade, and construct emergency operations centers, ensuring municipalities are prepared to respond effectively to disasters. These improvements are a "crucial element" of a comprehensive national emergency management system, enabling communication and collaboration among emergency management organizations across multiple jurisdictions and hazards.

Thomas Lohmann, director of the town's department of public safety, said he is "pleased" the town was awarded the grant.

"With these funds we will be reconfiguring the EOC, replacing antiquated equipment, and enhancing our interoperability with our partner police and fire agencies," Lohmann said. "This center is staffed 24 hours a day seven days a week, and our dispatchers will now have all of the resources they need at their disposal, which will greatly enhance our ability to serve our residents not only during disasters, but on a daily basis, ensuring we are operating at the highest capabilities. I’d Like to commend Deputy Director Caillat on her work on this project, and getting us this award."

The Town of Smithtown states that it "has been steadfast in its commitment" to public safety and emergency preparedness.

"This grant will further the town’s ability to respond efficiently to emergencies, supporting a unified approach to disaster management while safeguarding the community," the town stated.