RITCHIE SECURES FUNDS TO HELP HEUVELTON PURCHASE NEW PUMPER TRUCK, RENOVATE FIRE HALL

In an effort to improve community safety, State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured $125,000 help the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department purchase a new pumper truck and make upgrades to its fire hall.

“The members of the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department put their lives on the line every day; responding to all types of emergencies around the clock—whether they’re occurring locally, or in a nearby community that needs an extra helping hand,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I’m pleased to deliver this funding, which will help the fire department’s dedicated members more safely do their jobs and will improve overall safety in the North Country.”

“The Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department has a long legacy of serving our local community, and our members take pride in the work that they do to safeguard residents,” said Fire Chief Nick Friot.

“Just like other volunteer fire departments across our region, we work hard to raise funds to purchase the most up to date equipment and tools to help us more effectively—and more safely—respond to emergencies.  This support from Senator Ritchie will be tremendously helpful as we work toward that goal, and we can’t thank her enough for making the safety of our community a priority.”

In addition to the new pumper truck, the department also purchased hydraulic rescue tools—commonly known as “jaws of life”—as well as a light tower for the truck, which will provide volunteers with better visibility when responding to emergencies happening after dark.  A portion of the funds secured by Senator Ritchie will also be used to renovate the fire hall, including the replacement of building supports which are more than 100 years old.

Final release of funds is subject to state approval.

(Attn. photo editors: Pictured from left to right in the attached photo are Heuvelton Village Trustee Neil Parish, Mike Hebert, Fire Chief Nick Friot, State Sen. Patty Ritchie, Heuvelton Mayor Barbara Lashua, and Trustee William Knowlton)