Newtown Underwater Search And Rescue (NUSAR) has a new engine for its primary rescue boat, thanks to a grant from a public charity founded by the actor Gary Sinise.

NUSAR was informed in October that The Gary Sinise Foundation had selected the local dive and rescue team for a First Responders Outreach Grant in the amount of $10,000. The grants provide “critical funding for emergency relief, training, and essential equipment to ensure these heroes perform to the best of their abilities,” according to the foundation’s website.

The financial support has provided a new engine for NUSAR 993, the primary rescue boat used by the team.

“This extremely generous grant will enable us to respond to emergencies more effectively, efficiently, and safely,” the team announced February 16.

Founded in 1989, NUSAR is an all volunteer emergency response team dedicated to saving lives through search and rescue operations by providing professionally trained members for water rescue and recovery incidents. The team also promotes water safety awareness education.

Visit NUSAR.org for additional information.

The Gary Sinise Foundation was established under the philanthropic direction of actor Gary Sinise, who has been an advocate of this nation’s defenders for nearly forty years. Its mission is to serve the nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.

Its programs, designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities, serve America’s heroes and their loved ones 365 days a year. Visit GarySiniseFoundation.org.