Senator Gallivan Announces Public Safety Grants

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announced he has secured additional state funding to support various public safety initiatives throughout Livingston County.  The aid is being provided to community based agencies, police departments and fire companies to maintain existing programs and to purchase new equipment for law enforcement and emergency services.   

“We are fortunate to have proven crime prevention and victim assistance programs in place, but we need to provide adequate funding to allow these programs and services to continue,” Gallivan said.  “We must also ensure that local police, fire and rescue agencies have the tools and resources they need to do their job and to keep our communities safe.” 

Senator Gallivan secured funding through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, including $10,000 for Chances & Changes, Inc., which provides confidential assistance to victims of domestic violence in Livingston County.  The agency offers emergency services for victims of family violence and child abuse.  

“Chances and Changes, Inc. will use the funding support to assist the agency in addressing Domestic Violence issues in the community with appropriate, effective, and timely services, especially for those families where there is Domestic Violence and co-occurring child abuse situations,” said Executive Director Karen Tremer.  “The goals will be to assist victims, primary and secondary, to escape from violence and attain safety.  Such services include 24/7 hotline access, shelter, counseling, education, prevention services, active advocacies, and other services specific to the needs of the families served.”   

Funding is also being provided to the Geneseo and Caledonia police departments for the purchase of body cameras for officers.  Geneseo will receive $10,000 and Caledonia will get $6,000.  

“I would like to thank Senator Patrick Gallivan and his staff for obtaining this funding to purchase body cameras for our police officers,” said Geneseo Chief of Police Eric Osganian.  “The addition of body cameras for our officers will increase the professionalism of our police force.” 

“Technology can be an officer’s friend, but for villages are size there just is not any money in the budget to stay current,” said Caledonia Chief of Police Daniel Chapman.  “With the money that Senator Gallivan secured for CPD we will be able to purchase camera systems to help document interactions the officers have. Today's juries like to see and hear any statements made during an arrest. This money will also help to protect our officers and village from false accusations as well as identify training opportunities.” 

The Village of Geneseo Fire Department, meanwhile, will receive $5,000 to pay for hose replacement.   

“Our department will be replacing hose that is 15 and 20 years old.  This hose is specifically used to supply pumpers while hooked to a fire hydrant or supply water to other fire trucks.  This is the first time we have received direct funding for fire equipment from the State of New York and we are grateful to Senator Gallivan and his staff for providing this funding,” said Chief Andrew Chanler. 

Emergency Medical Services for Genesee Valley will also receive $5,000 for the purchase of an emergency generator.