O’Mara, Palmesano join Corning officials, firefighters to showcase new front-line engine: State funding helps city enhance fire response services

Corning, N.Y., September 17—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today joined City of Corning Mayor Bill Boland, City Manager Mark L. Ryckman, Fire Chief Brad Davies and other city firefighters to officially get a firsthand look at the Corning Fire Department’s new front-line engine.

The event was held Thursday morning at Denison Park in Corning.

O’Mara and Palmesano secured $450,000 in state funding to help the city of Corning purchase the new engine. The state grant was funded through the State and Municipal Capital Facilities Program (SAM) and saved city taxpayers approximately two-thirds of the cost of the new vehicle.

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “We are always grateful for opportunities to help regional fire departments upgrade vehicles and equipment to better serve their communities, help ease the burden on local property taxpayers, and enhance the personal safety of our firefighters and first responders. Thank you to Corning’s firefighters, and their fellow first responders throughout the region, for their outstanding commitment, day in and day out, to save lives, protect property and strengthen the quality of area communities in so many ways.”   

The Corning Fire Department received its new front-line engine in April.  It was put into service in May to replace an aging, 30-year-old engine and enhance firefighting and first response capabilities for the department’s service district and the neighboring volunteer fire departments it also helps support.  

According to Corning Fire Chief Brad Davies, Corning’s front-line engine responds to over 1,500 service calls annually, including structure fires, automobile accidents, medical emergencies, and HAZMAT incidents.

Corning Mayor Bill Boland said, "This is a major piece of equipment for our fire department. We appreciate the efforts of Senator O’Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano in securing the grant that made this acquisition possible. Getting that grant means a significant savings to the local taxpayer." 

Corning City Manager Mark L. Ryckman said, “Our employees did an excellent job developing the specifications for the truck and finalizing the project within budget.”

Corning Fire Chief Brad Davies said, "This fire engine provides the latest safety features for the firefighters."