GREAT RIVER - Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer accepted a federal grant for port security from U.S. Representative Peter King at the police department’s Marine Bureau facility at Timber Point on Oct. 2. The grant will bolster security for the Suffolk County Police Department’s Marine Bureau.

The Port Security Grant Program provides funding to port areas for the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorism. The grant of $130,632, secured in part through Congressman King’s support, will fund two Marine Bureau projects.

One initiative will feature the installation of a surveillance camera system at the Marine Bureau facility in Great River. Three high-definition, state-of-the-art cameras will be installed outdoors, as will four indoor cameras, along with a monitor and video recording system.

The second project will allow the Marine Bureau to purchase 40 survival suits for boat operations. The dry suits provide protection from the cold water when officers are conducting search and rescue operations.

“New York City and its surrounding areas continue to be the number one target in the nation for terrorists,” said Levy. “It is good news to see the federal government putting this money where it is needed most.”

Rep. King added, “It is vital that Suffolk County be protected against acts of terrorism, and the Suffolk Police Department has an excellent reputation for its professionalism and skill. I was very proud to work with the county executive, Commissioner Dormer and the Marine Bureau to secure this grant.”

The Marine Bureau patrols all of the Great South Bay that is within the police district.  The unit covers an area that extends from the Nassau County line to the border of Southampton Town.  On the north shore, the Marine Bureau patrols from the Nassau County line to the border of Riverhead Town in the east and the Connecticut State line to the north (which is approximately at the center line of the LI Sound). 

Suffolk Commissioner of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Joe Williams and Suffolk Police Department Deputy Inspector Harold Jantzen, commanding officer of the Marine Bureau, were among those in attendance at the news conference.