Saland Announces Funding For Dutchess County Public Safety Organizations

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) today announced he has secured public 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."

"Public Safety Software is a critical part of a police department’s ability to deliver effective law enforcement services. Analyzing data, identifying and focusing on key hot spots of activity is the goal of 21st century policing. The funding that Senator Saland has secured will enable the City of Poughkeepsie to upgrade our software base to provide us the tools to continue our efforts in this area. We are once again appreciative to Senator Saland for his continued success in finding us funding for this project," said City of Poughkeepsie Police Chief Ronald Knapp.

"We are indebted to Senator Saland for providing us with this grant. The new command vehicle will help us respond to the increased number of calls the District is receiving and transport necessary telecommunications and other equipment safely and effectively. Senator Saland’s grant will allow us to purchase this critical new vehicle without saddling taxpayers with the expense", said Tory Gallante, Chief of the Fairview Fire District.