Ritchie Delivers $90,000 For Area Ambulance Squads

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced on Thursday that she has secured $90,000 in special state funding to strengthen three ambulance squads in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties that help protect Fort Drum and the post’s surrounding communities.

The funding comes as part of a “Base Retention” grant that was secured by Senator Ritchie in the 2017-2018 state budget and aims to strengthen Fort Drum, which is the largest single site-employer in the Northeast and a primary driver for the North Country economy.  The funds will be utilized to assist in the purchasing of vital emergency response equipment.

“When tragedy strikes, every minute is precious and making sure that emergency professionals have the tools they need to save lives is so incredibly important,” said Senator Ritchie.  “I’m pleased to deliver this funding to these dedicated first responders, ensuring that they will have the resources they need to respond to more efficiently and protect families across the North Country.”

A breakdown of the funding is as follows:

Carthage Area Rescue Squad- $30,000 to be used to help cover the cost of a cardiac monitor;

Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad- $30,000 to assist in purchasing a medical transport van; and

Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS)- $30,000 to be used to help cover the cost of a cardiac monitor.

“Protecting the lives of families on and off-post is no easy feat, and it’s critical to have the necessary tools to respond as quickly—and as safely—as possible,” said Joshua Crump, Vice President of the Carthage Area Rescue Squad.  “I would like to thank Senator Ritchie for this funding, which will allow us to be more efficient when we are called to the scene of an accident, which in turn helps to save lives.”

“The protection of Fort Drum and the surrounding communities is so important to the future of the post and the North Country,” said Mark Deavers, Director of the Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad.  “On behalf of the entire squad and community, thank you Senator Ritchie for continuing to be a tireless advocate for our region and helping us do our job better.”  

“Our region is so special in that local communities have such a strong relationship with Fort Drum and it’s our job to not only help strengthen that bond, but also help save lives of the local and military families that call the North Country home,” said Roland Baril, Chair of the TIERS Board of Directors.  “Many thanks to Senator Ritchie for securing this funding, which will allow us to better serve and protect families across the Thousand Islands region.”   

Senator Ritchie’s delivering of funds to local ambulance squads builds on her other recent efforts to help make local communities safer.  Last month, she announced $75,000 in special funding that will help local law enforcement agencies and fire departments improve public safety in communities across Oswego County.