NYS Assemblyman Sam Berger Allocates $300k to Queens Shmira

Assemblyman Berger provides state funding towards Public Safety

New York State Assembly member Sam Berger (D-Kew Gardens Hills) announced $300,000 in capital funding for emergency services group Queens Borough Safety Patrol Shmira (QBSP) to support their public safety mission.

Last week, Assemblyman Sam Berger joined leadership and dedicated volunteers from QBSP Shmira outside of their Kew Gardens Hills Office on Main Street to present a check representing $300,000 in state monies Berger was able to secure the local organization in Albany as part of the 2024 NYS Budget. Under overcast skies and bearing the rain, Shmira personnel and the Assemblyman discussed pressing local issues and community concerns affecting the Queen’s neighborhood. From retail and car theft, rising antisemitic attacks and supporting overburdened police departments, QBSP Shmira has been a comforting presence for many in the 27th Assembly District.

Queens Shmira and its selfless volunteers have been at the forefront of ensuring community safety while making a Kiddush Hashem for years,” said Assemblyman Berger. “As the representative of a district that benefits greatly from Shmira’s services, I am proud to provide this critical funding to help continue their mission of keeping thousands of Queens families safe.”

“The Queens Shmira organization wishes to express its deepest gratitude to State Assemblyman Sam Berger for his remarkable dedication to the community and his generous grant of $300,000 in support of our public safety initiatives,” said Shmira Director Levi Leifer. “We are deeply appreciative of Assemblyman Berger’s trust in our organization and his commitment to the well-being and safety of our community. His support will have a lasting impact on our ability to prevent and respond to criminal activity, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with him in serving the community.”

The funding will help support the 24/7 public safety organization by supporting efforts such as security patrols, search and rescue, safety awareness, and disaster response efforts. Shmira’s goal is to significantly enhance their security capabilities, focus on expanding their CCTV civilian network and deploying advanced surveillance technologies, including License Plate Readers and optical cameras, in critical locations.