Sen. Fred Akshar announces $155,000 in grants for 12 local fire departments and emergency service squads

Senator Fred Akshar joined local volunteer firefighters and EMS workers from across the 52nd Senate District on Thursday at the West Corners Volunteer Fire Department in Endicott to announce 12 funding grants to support local volunteer fire departments and emergency services squads totaling $155,000. 

The grants will go toward a variety of projects depending on the needs of each department. Projects range from rescue equipment upgrades and replacements to new communications technology to help local volunteers better serve and assist the residents of the 52nd District.

“We rely on our first responders during our most vulnerable times,” said Senator Akshar, adding, “We turn to them during fires, floods, car accidents and medical emergencies and we breathe a sigh of relief when we see them arrive on the scene. I’m proud to be able to secure funding to assist these selfless members of our community to better serve and protect the people of the 52nd Senate District.”

“Thanks to this grant from Senator Akshar, the Maine Fire Department has purchased a battery powered rescue tool,” said Maine Fire Department Assistant Chief David Silverstein. “This lightweight but extremely powerful device enables a single firefighter to rapidly deploy and operate a combination cutter and spreader to free trapped victims. It will allow us to more effectively aid patients during responses with limited manpower. Working with our EMS partners, we can now ensure that victims are on their way to the hospital as quickly and safely as time permits.”

The grants were outlined in this year’s New York State Budget and are administered through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). 

The following were awarded a grant: Borden Hose Company of Mt. Upton/Guilford was awarded $10,000; Chenango Ambulance Services, Inc. was awarded $35,000 for Power Stretchers; the Greene Fire Department was awarded $15,000 for dry suits, PFDs, helmets, and a prop-less boat motor; the Johnson City Fire Department received $10,000; the Lockwood Volunteer Fire Company received $10,000; Maine Fire District No. 1 received $10,000; the Norwich Fire/Emergency Squad received $10,000 for Advanced Life Support Equipment; the Owego Fire Department received $20,000 for technology upgrades; the Spencer Fire Company was awarded $10,000 to refurbish rural water supply apparatus for structure and wildfire; Union Center Fire Company was awarded $5,000 to purchase a Genesis Rescue Systems Combi Tool; the Weltonville Volunteer Fire Company in Newark Valley was awarded $10,000 for a gear dryer and hose dryer; and West Corners Fire Company No. 1 was awarded $10,000 for Hydraulic Accident Rescue Tools.