New fire engine on the way for city of Corning: O’Mara, Palmesano and city leaders announce state funding to assist purchase of new Corning Fire Department vehicle (UPDATED, November 2: Read and watch more)

Corning, N.Y., November 1—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning), Corning Mayor Richard P. Negri, Corning City Manager Mark L. Ryckman, and Corning Fire Department (CFD) Chief Brad Davies announced today that the department will purchase a new Class-A fire engine with the assistance of $450,000 in state funding O’Mara secured as part of the 2017-2018 New York State budget.

O’Mara, Palmesano, and city leaders made today’s announcement together with city firefighters at the Corning Fire Department.

[UPDATED, November 2: Read and watch more from WETM-TV, "City of Corning to replace 26-year-old fire engine" and from WENY-TV, "Corning Fire Department replacing 26-year-old engine"]

Senator O’Mara said, “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to assist the Corning Fire Department purchase this new fire engine that will help the department better serve the city and the entire region, enhance the personal safety of our firefighters, and ease the burden on local property taxpayers.  Thank you to Corning’s firefighters, and their fellow first responders throughout the region, for their outstanding service to save lives and protect property.” 

Assemblyman Palmesano said, “State investments are a priority to help ensure that local fire departments like Corning and first responders across the region have the vehicles and equipment they need to best protect our communities. We are grateful to be able to provide funding for the Corning Fire Department to uprgrade its fire engine. It delivers a great benefit to our firefighters, the residents and businesses of Corning and surrounding areas, and local taxpayers.”

Mayor Negri said, “Senator O’Mara was instrumental in securing these important grant funds to replace this older front-line engine. We have an outstanding fire department, and we need to make sure their vehicles and equipment are safe and reliable.”

City Manager Ryckman said, “We appreciate Senator O’Mara’s commitment to the fire service. This is another step in keeping our finances stable.”

Fire Chief Davies said, “The fire department is very excited about this news. This new apparatus will be an asset throughout the Corning area.”

O’Mara secured the $450,000 state grant as part of this year’s State and Municipal Capital Facilities Program (SAM).  The funding will help the department purchase a new Class-A fire engine that will enhance the department’s firefighting and other response capabilities for its district and the surrounding area. The CFD routinely responds to Mutual-Aid requests in the Corning area and, consequently, the new fire engine will be a regional asset to other area communities.  

The department will be replacing a 1991 American LaFrance Engine and moving the current front-line engine to reserve status.

The new engine is currently in the design phase.  It’s expected to be up to a year before delivery after the final design is decided on and the bid awarded.