Jacobs Delivers $25,000 to Support Paramedics, Fire Services in Tonawanda

(Tonawanda, NY) – New York State Senator Chris Jacobs (60^th SD) went to the Town of Tonawanda Fire Training Tower today to announce that he has secured $25,000 in state funding to support critical emergency services in the Town of Tonawanda.  The public protection dollars being delivered by Jacobs will support emergency medical services, specifically the paramedic unit, and the volunteer fire services.    

“Town of Tonawanda residents are blessed to live in the only municipality in Western New York that has its own paramedic unit, and they are very well served by the dedicated volunteer firefighters throughout the town,” said Jacobs.  “One of the primary responsibilities of state government is to help ensure the safety and security of every New Yorker, and I know the paramedics and firefighters will put these dollars to good use.”

“The grant that Sen. Jacobs has obtained will improve the communication link that is so vital in the life and death situations, and the safety jackets will help protect them from the hazards they face on daily basis,” said Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger.  “These monies will also help to train our firefighters in the latest firefighting techniques, ensuring our excellent fire protection will continue into the future.  We are very grateful to Senator Jacobs for his support of Tonawanda’s emergency services.”

The paramedic unit is an organization within the Town of Tonawanda Police Department that has been providing high quality emergency and pre-hospital care to town residents since 1975.  The unit will utilize $20,000 of the public protection funds to upgrade their entire stock of portable radios.  They will also purchase new, high visible safety jackets for each paramedic that will enhance their personal safety while responding to calls.  The new jackets will also protect paramedics against potentially harmful body materials.

“Clear concise communications are critical in a crisis situation and our paramedics are frequently operating in the roadways under less than ideal conditions,” said Paramedic Supervisor Michael Baumgartner.  “If it were not for Senator Jacobs’ efforts, we would not be able to replace this critical equipment in a timely fashion, so we deeply appreciate his support.” 

The Brighton, Ellwood, Kenilworth, Kenmore, River Road, and Sheridan Park Volunteer Fire Departments all receive training at the Town of Tonawanda Fire Training Tower located in an industrial section of the town.  To ensure that their training programs and procedures stay current and state of art, the Town of Tonawanda Fire Chiefs will use $5,000 to purchase new smoke generators that will enable firefighters to engage in safer simulated smoke training.  The funding will also allow them to purchase a dedicated sound system for their classroom training, which relies heavily on video content. 

“Volunteer firefighters are required to go through extensive training to better prepare them to safely and effectively fight a wide variety of blazes from dwelling fires to vehicle fires and anything in between,” said Sheridan Park Fire District Chief James Chatham.  “We are very grateful to Senator Jacobs for providing the funding necessary to enable us to more effectively train our volunteers and better ensure the safety of the firefighters and the residents they serve.”