Senator Dale M. Volker Secures $10,000 For The Bliss Rescue Squad

Senator Dale M. Volker (R-C-I, Depew) today announced that he has secured funding in the amount of $10,000 within the adopted 2005-2006 New York State Budget, for the Bliss Fire Department Rescue Squad to purchase personal protective gear for Bliss Rescue Personnel when they answer fire and emergency calls.

"The Bliss Fire Department Rescue Squad consist of thirty members who are all volunteers and sacrifice an enormous amount of their time and energies to assist their neighbors who rely upon emergency services," said Senator Dale M. Volker. "Currently, these men and women respond to emergencies in their work or civilian clothes, even though they come into direct contact with hazardous chemicals, gasoline, fuel oils and other highly dangerous substances. They need protective gear and I am pleased to have secured these state funds for the men and women of the Bliss Fire Department Rescue Squad."

Dick Maher, Fire Chief of the Eagle Hose Fire Company said, "This is tremendous news for our volunteer fire personnel who often place their lives in very dangerous situations to protect and assist our communities. These state funds secured by Senator Volker will allow us to buy the protective gear that is necessary for us to perform our jobs well, and protect us from the inherent risks involved in this time-honored profession."

Laura Dutton, Captain of the Bliss Rescue Squad stated, "Time after time the Bliss Rescue Squad and the Eagle Hose Fire Company is there to assist our families, business community and schools during times of need. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of protective gear for our volunteer emergency services personnel. With a service area of over 100 square miles, we never know what type of emergency situation we may come into contact with, and protective equipment for our volunteers will improve their safety and security."

Joseph Kushner, Supervisor of the Town of Eagle said "The Bliss Fire Department Rescue Squad belongs to a mutual aid system and they are subject to being called for assistance to other towns and villages such as Arcade, Warsaw, Silver Springs, Pike, Gainesvilles, and North Java. In addition, they have also been called to the Attica State Prison to be of assistance as well. Senator Volker has been committed to making sure that our regions volunteer fire department (s) have the appropriate equipment to execute and perform their dangerous duties. I greatly appreciate his continued support to assist the men and women of the Bliss Fire Department Rescue Squad."

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