The Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety has been awarded $200,000 through the Federal Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program, provided by FEMA, to enhance the town’s emergency preparedness capabilities. This significant funding, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, will allow Smithtown to upgrade its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) facilities, improving coordination and response efforts in times of crisis.
“Effective communication during a disaster is the cornerstone of emergency management. 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,” said Town Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim
“I am pleased to see that we have been awarded the grant to update and improve our Emergency Operations Center. With these funds we will be reconfiguring the EOC, replacing antiquated equipment, and enhancing our interoperability with our partner police and fire agencies. 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.” said Thomas Lohmann, the town’s public safety director.
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.