Ritchie Delivers $100,000 For Ogdensburg Fire Department

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing that she has secured $100,000 in funding for the Ogdensburg Fire Department that will allow the department to respond more efficiently to emergency calls.

The special state funding will assist the department in offsetting the costs associated with the purchase of a new ambulance to replace the department’s older emergency medical service vehicle.

“Every second is precious when emergency crews are called to a scene and making sure they have the necessary tools to respond safely and quickly is key,” said Senator Ritchie.  “I’m pleased to deliver this funding to the Ogdensburg Fire Department, which will allow these tireless first responders to act efficiently when they are called to an emergency situation which in turn, will help save lives.”

“When our department gets the call to respond to an emergency, it’s imperative that we have the proper resources to act swiftly to prevent the loss of life,” said Ogdensburg Fire Chief Michael Farrell.  “On behalf of the entire department, thank you Senator Ritchie for providing this much needed funding, which will allow us to respond quickly when we get called to a scene.”

This funding builds upon Senator Ritchie’s efforts to support firefighters across the North Country.  Senator Ritchie cosponsored legislation (S.1411-A) that provides volunteer firefighters with enhanced disability benefits who contract certain types of cancer.  The measure cleared both the Senate and Assembly during the recent Legislative Session, and now awaits action by the Governor.  In addition, Senator Ritchie recently delivered $90,000 for three North Country ambulance squads, which will be used to help offset costs associated with vital response equipment.