Ritchie Helps Brier Hill Fire Dept. Better Serve Residents During Extended Emergency Situations

State Senator Patty Ritchie recently visited the Brier Hill Fire Department in St. Lawrence County to see the new generator she helped the Department purchase in case of an extended power outage.

Several years ago, the department built a new fire station complete with a community center.  The generator, purchased with a $50,000 grant secured by Senator Ritchie, will allow the department power up its community center and use it as a shelter during a long-term outage.

“When disaster strikes, it’s so important that those impacted have a safe place to seek refuge,” said Senator Patty Ritchie. “From snowstorms to ice storms, the North Country has seen its fair share of incidents when providing people with shelter is critical. I am pleased that in the event of an emergency, members of the Brier Hill Fire Department will be even more ready to assist and I thank them for the important work they do every day to keep our region safe.”

Senator Ritchie’s securing of funds for the Brier Hill Fire Department builds on her past work to help support emergency responders in the region she represents. Recently, she announced nearly $70,000 in special funding to help support the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, as well as numerous fire departments throughout the county.

(Senator Ritchie is pictured with Brier Hill Fire Department President David Stout as he shows her the new generator.)