Three New York City agencies teamed up to donate vehicles to the Dominican Republic, as it continues to recover from Tropical Storm Franklyn, which made landfall in August 2023, bringing with it torrential rains that inundated the island.

Helping in a Time of Need

The storm forced the evacuation of more than 2,000 people and devastated several municipalities across the country, according to a press release from the city. Several months later, heavy rains caused widespread flooding, killing at least 21 people, and displacing thousands more – the effects of which the country is still recovering from.

Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock, Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Laura Kavanagh recently announced the donation of two firetrucks and two standard-size Department of Sanitation collection trucks to the Caribbean nation.

“Our hearts are with the people of the Dominican Republic as they continue to recover from the impacts of Tropical Storm Franklyn and the torrential rains that followed.  DCAS is proud to coordinate this donation with FDNY and DSNY,” Pinnock said. “Time and again, this administration has shown that the City of New York’s compassion transcends borders, and that we will always look to support our neighbors during times of crisis.”

A Special Bond with the Dominican Republic

New York City — specifically the Bronx — has the largest Dominican diaspora in the world.

The city shares a "special bond" with the country, Tisch said, which New York City Commissioner for International Affairs Edward Mermelstein echoed.

“NYC is home to a large Dominican diaspora that contributes to the diverse fabric of this great city. In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by Tropical Storm Franklyn in the Dominican Republic, we take pride in extending this vital support,” Mermelstein said. “These vehicles will improve first responders' capacity to help people in need, and it reinforces the unbreakable bond between our great city and the Dominican Republic. This project is another example of Mayor Adams and our Administration’s leadership. Together, we stand firm in the face of adversity."

The donation was coordinated by DCAS in close collaboration with the FDNY, DSNY, U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, and the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic.

This donation follows the city’s donation of collection trucks donated to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Fiona which devastated the island in September 2022, and the donation of fleet and construction equipment to Indonesia in 2004 following the tsunami that ravaged the nation.

Similarly, the city has donated an NYPD rescue truck to Greenburgh Police Department in Westchester, New York, and an FDNY firetruck to the West Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department in Howard Beach, New York, in 2015.

The trucks were expected to arrive in the Dominican Republic this month.