Saland Announces Funding For Columbia County Public Safety Organizations

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) today announced he has secured pubic safety funding in the State budget to assist local fire companies, police departments and a local ambulance corps.

Saland secured the following funding in the 2008-2009 State Budget:

"Our local first responders do a superb job protecting the lives and property of local citizens," said Senator Saland. "Whether it is police, firefighters or other emergency personnel, they race toward danger when others are running from it, without regard to their own personal safety. They need and deserve the equipment necessary to do the job effectively. The grants I have secured in the State Budget will help them purchase needed equipment without burdening local taxpayers."

"The Mellenville Volunteer Fire District would like to express our sincere appreciation to Senator Saland for once again assisting the residents of our community with a grant for $12,000 to help with the expense of replacing all of our aging large diameter hose. The large diameter hose is used to transfer water from remote areas in our district to a fire. Senator Saland has continued to serve our community in so many positive ways. Again, we thank Senator Saland for his help." said James Winters, Chief, Mellenville Volunteer Fire Co. #1.

"Columbia County Emergency Services, which includes fire, EMS, law enforcement and 911 emergency dispatch, recently purchased a portable communications/dispatch unit. This vehicle will provide a portable backup for dispatching all agencies in Columbia County. The support and grant from Senator Saland has made this unit a reality for the safety of all residents and emergency service providers in Columbia County," said William Black, Emergency Management Director of Columbia County.

"The Greenport Police Department appreciates all the efforts of Senator Saland in obtaining the grant for the police vehicle, as well as the generator, which will assist the Town during power emergencies," said Edward Boulanger, Acting Police Commissioner of the Town of Greenport.