Skoufis provides Greenwood Lake Fire Department with $50,000 grant

A $50,000 grant secured by State Senator James Skoufis (D, Cornwall) will provide funding for the Village of Greenwood Lake Fire Department to purchase a UTV, UTV trailer, skid unit, and forestry equipment.

Skoufis and the Greenwood Lake Fire Department identified these equipment needs after last November’s Jennings Creek/Sterling Forest State Park which burnt for two weeks.

“When the Sterling Forest Fire broke out last fall, so many people responded to the call to help, but it was the Greenwood Lake Fire Department that arrived first, left last, and successfully fought a fire that threatened their community,” Skoufis said. “Just as we counted on them last fall, I am proud that they can count on me in return – I’m delighted to secure this funding for their department. When Orange County needed them most, the Greenwood Lake Fire Department acted swiftly and efficiently, and this funding will allow for new equipment to continue to do just that. I know I speak for all of Orange County when I thank these brave volunteers once again.”

The Jennings Creek wildfire burnt more than 5,300 in New York and New Jersey. More than 500,000 gallons of water was been dumped on the fire and over 1,300 firefighters were sent from 427 fire companies to assist in combatting the fire with crews coming from as far as Montana and Colorado.

As part of the response, Orange County deployed emergency resources and the governor sent additional state assets including personnel and Army National Guard Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, as well as State Police Huey helicopters.