New pumper tanker on the way for North Hornell: O’Mara secures state funding to assist purchase of new truck and water rescue equipment

North Hornell, N.Y., July 13—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and North Hornell Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Robbins announced that the department will purchase a new pumper tanker and water rescue equipment with the assistance of $215,000 in state funding O’Mara secured in the 2017-2018 New York State budget.

O’Mara and Robbins made the announcement on Tuesday night at the North Hornell Fire Department on West Maplewood Avenue together with North Hornell firefighters, and North Hornell Mayor John Falci and village and town board members.

O’Mara secured the $215,000 state grant as part of this year’s State and Municipal Capital Facilities Program (SAM).  The funding will help the department purchase a new 3,000-gallon pumper tanker and water rescue equipment that will enhance the department’s firefighting and rescue capabilities for its district and the surrounding area.

The new truck will enhance the fire protection that the department provides in the non-hydrant areas of the fire district.  It will also allow the department to maintain the capability of three pumpers, as well as maintain or even improve its current Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating.  

The water rescue equipment will enhance the department’s response capabilities at the Kanakadea Park (Almond Dam) and the other streams, rivers and ponds within the fire district.  New equipment purchases could include an inflatable rescue boat known as a Rapid Deployment Craft (RDC), updated personal flotation devices (PFDs), and water rescue ropes and throw devices.  

O’Mara said, “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to assist the North Hornell Volunteer Fire Department purchase this new pumper tanker and additional rescue equipment that will better serve the village, enhance the personal safety of our firefighters, and ease the burden on local property taxpayers.  Thank you to North Hornell's firefighters, and their fellow first responders throughout the region, for their outstanding service to save lives and protect property.”   

Fire Chief Robbins said, “I am very grateful to have received this opportunity to enhance our firefighting and rescue capabilities. I am very excited to finally purchase a pumper tanker for the department.  This is something that has been trying to be accomplished for some time now and thanks to Senator O’Mara and Assemblyman Errigo this is something that can finally be accomplished and become a reality. This will also come in good use to the department in the protection of the new hospital and medical office building that is being built in our district. Again thank you to all involved with this project especially Senator O’Mara, Assemblyman Errigo, and community liaison Mike Palmesano.”

North Hornell Mayor Falci said, “We certainly appreciate what Senator O’Mara’s office has done for the citizens of the North Hornell and Hornell area, especially when it comes to purchases like these that make living in such an already well protected and safe community even safer for the citizens that these great volunteers protect selflessly on a daily basis. This will also provide an even greater protection to the new hospital and medical office building that the wonderful volunteers of the North Hornell Fire Department will be protecting.”

Robbins said that the department hopes order the new truck soon to begin the building process and receive it within the next calendar year.

In last year’s state budget, O’Mara similarly secured $500,000 to help the City of Hornell Fire Department purchase its new ladder truck.

[see attached copy of article above from the Evening Tribune, "Grant secured for new fire truck"]