Brindisi, Griffo announce $200,000 in Funding for the New York Wing of the Civil Air Patrol

CAP performed vital assistance with Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and Lee and assists with flooding and other weather emergencies, along with countering drug flights and searching for missing children

UTICA - Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi and State Senator Joseph Griffo have announced that $200,000 for improvements and overall operations for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in New York State is a part of the 2014-2015 state budget.

The organization, which includes a Central New York Group headquartered at the Griffiss International Airport in Rome and Hancock Field in Syracuse, is a not-for-profit organization that is the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Over 2,550 members in 74 squadrons across New York perform a variety of valuable functions, including helping respond to natural and man-made emergencies; searching for lost or missing children; and performing a variety of Homeland Security-related functions. It also runs education programs for young people that teach leadership and aerospace skills.

“The Civil Air Patrol’s leaders estimate it has saved New York over a million dollars a year performing its vital functions,” Brindisi, D-Utica said. “Many of the tasks its chapters perform cannot be done by other agencies; it saves local governments time and resources helping to evaluate damage from disasters, or responding quickly when a child is reported missing.”

“I’m pleased to have helped secure this funding. CAP is not only there for us during emergencies; they’re molding many of our future leaders,” said Griffo, R-Rome. “The cadet programs are teaching teenagers valuable life skills, such as self-discipline, leadership and respect for one another.”

“The funding CAP received will be used to upgrade our infrastructure so that we are in a better position to help New York State and its citizens in times of emergencies and disasters. We will also use funds to expand and improve our Aerospace Education and Cadet programs,” said Col. Jack J. Ozer, New York Wing Commander of the Civil Air Patrol.

“The Central New York Group and Wing cannot thank Assemblyman Brindisi , Senator Griffo, and their colleagues in the state legislature enough for their support. We are proud to count both of them as a member of the CAP Legislative Squadron in the New York Wing. They have been strong supporters of the CAP and the Central New York group. This funding will go a long way toward putting the CAP on a better footing to assist the people of New York in times of emergency or should natural disasters occur,” said Lt. Col. John Jones, the Civil Air Patrol’s Central New York Group Commander.