Berger Allocates $300k  To QBSP Shmira

Assemblymember Berger provides state funding towards public safety

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

Last week, Assemblymember 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 funding for local organization in Albany as part of the 2024 NYS Budget. Under overcast skies and bearing the rain, Shmira personnel and the Assemblymember discussed pressing local issues and community concerns affecting the Queens neighborhood. From retail and car theft, rising antisemitic attacks and supporting overburdened police departments, QBSP 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 Assemblymember 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 Assemblymember 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 Assemblymember 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 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.