The Village of Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department will receive $1 million in state funding to replace outdated radios that have limited functionality inside burning buildings, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced. The equipment is intended to improve communication among firefighters during emergency responses in the Nassau County village, according to a governor's office news release.
Why the department sought new equipment
Hochul said the radios now in use are outdated and that firefighters need dependable communication while working in hazardous conditions. The village department has served Hempstead for nearly 200 years, she said.
Village Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. said clear communication is particularly important when firefighters enter burning buildings. Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks said the replacement radios could also help firefighters coordinate during mutual-aid responses with neighboring communities.
State Sen. Siela Bynoe said the funding addresses communications where responders face dangerous conditions. Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis described the upgrade as long awaited.
Broader state fire-service funding
The Hempstead award comes amid statewide spending on volunteer fire departments. In September, the state announced $25 million for 65 departments and districts through the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment, or V-FIRE, grant program, which the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services administers.
The state had awarded another $25 million to 88 departments in 2024. Together, those rounds provided $50 million to 153 volunteer fire departments and districts for facilities, safety equipment and emergency-response capabilities, according to the governor's office. The fiscal 2027 state budget secured an additional $25 million for a third round.
About 9 million New Yorkers rely on volunteer firefighters for fire protection and emergency response, the governor's office said.
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