There is no set timeline for how long the construction will take. The work is being done by Nassau County-based Fratello Construction Corp., which has rebuilt FDNY firehouses in the past.

During the time the repairs are taking place, firefighters from Engine 293, and their equipment. will be based out of Engine 294 “for temporary quarters,” the FDNY spokesman said. Engine 294, which provides services to parts of Woodhaven and Richmond Hill, is located at 101-02 Jamaica Ave., roughly a four-minute drive from Engine 293.

Both firehouses were slated for closure under Mayor Bloomberg 10 years ago as part of his proposal for cost-cutting measures, but were saved after the communities expressed outrage at the idea.

The "new" truck is actually a demo model. Before being delivered the unit will be recertified. Going the demo route saved the city about $130,000 over buying a newly manufactured unit, Brown said.

The new truck will replace Truck 14, which will roll over to reserve status. Truck 14 is a 20-year-old aerial platform able to extend 95 feet. When the city bought the truck, it wasn't without controversy. There were questions among then city council members about the need for such a piece of equipment and the cost. In 1996 the truck cost $600,000. Replacing it now with a newer model would set the city back about $1.2 million, the chief said.

"The protection of our firefighters is of primary importance to our department leaders. Our goal to protect the lives and property of township and village residents and visitors cannot be successful if we don't provide quality protective gear to our firefighters. The provision of such gear would not be possible without the tremendous assistance provided by this FEMA grant," the chief said.

Much of the department's gear is 12 to 15 years old, he said.

The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program was developed in the aftermath of the events of September 11, 2001. The program is designed to assist local fire agencies with training and equipment that meets current firefighting industry standards.

When the driver started to cross, the ambulance collided with a southbound Jaguar, police said.

The driver of that car told investigators he hadn't heard the sirens before he reached the intersection. Police noted that the light was green going his way. Once he heard the sirens, he says he tried to make it out of the intersection, to get out of the ambulance's way.