Rep. Gillen Secures $500,000 for Historic Garden City Firehouse, Hosts Press Conference with Local Leaders

Watch the Full Press Conference Remarks HERE.

GARDEN CITY, NY - Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04), joined by Village of Garden City Mayor Edward T. Finneran and Fire Department Chief James Taunton, announced a $500,000 federal investment in the Edgemere Firehouse. Congresswoman Gillen worked closely with local leaders to secure this funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. The investment will support critical renovations to the nearly 100-year-old fire station, helping modernize the facility, expand its capabilities and strengthen emergency services for the entire community.

"Thank you to all the brave firefighters who do so much to serve our community and the EMS workers who also operate out of this firehouse. I'm so proud to have worked with the mayor, the trustees, the chief and our local leaders to secure this critical investment," said Rep. Gillen. "This renovation will directly benefit the fire department and enhance Garden City's emergency response, while preserving the beautiful historic character of this nearly 100-year-old fire station. The funding is the result of a tireless fight that we are continuing to wage in the Fourth Congressional District to make sure that we are bringing home more resources to the district. Long Island sends more to Washington than we get back and we are fighting to get back as much as we possibly can. Our taxes are way too high, and so we want some of those dollars back."

"Today is an important and exciting day for the Garden City Fire Department and for the residents of our village. On behalf of our volunteer firefighters, I want to sincerely thank Congresswoman Laura Gillen for securing this $500,000 federal grant. This grant is a direct investment in the safety of the residents of Garden City," said James Taunton, Garden City Fire Department Chief. "For the past five years, our West End Firehouse has been uninhabitable. This year, through the hard work and commitment of our Mayor and Board of Trustees, we have begun moving this critical project forward. This federal funding helps offset the cost of essential upgrades and allows us to move ahead, ahead with confidence and fiscal responsibility."

"Today, we gather to thank Congresswoman Gillen and her dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to securing federal funding to help finance the rebuild of the historic Edgemere Firehouse," said Edward T. Finneran, Garden City Mayor. "This was no simple task. Faced with numerous obstacles, the Congresswoman's senior staff worked tirelessly for months, navigating the complicated maze of congressional committees and political realities to make this grant a reality. About eight months ago, we were told that a positive outcome was doubtful. Naturally, we were disappointed. But throughout the process, Congresswoman Gillen kept us informed and engaged."

Last year, Garden City Mayor Finneranand Fire Chief Tauntonreached out to Rep. Gillen to advocate for this critical funding. Rep. Gillen later sent a letter of supportto the House Appropriations Committee and successfully secured nearly $13 million in federal funding for community projects across New York's Fourth Congressional District, including $500,000 for the Edgemere Firehouse.

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