Congers Fire Department Thanked Senator Carlucci for Securing Funding For New Fire Response Vehicle

(Congers, NY) – Today Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) joined the Congers Fire Department to unveil a new response vehicle at the railroad crossing on Lake Road in Congers.

The 2018 Ram 5500 Chassis is a 4x4 brush truck that can easily fit on railroad tracks to respond to fires quickly. The Fire Department explained firetrucks cannot fit on narrow railroad tracks, and this vehicle will be the first of its kind in the area. The truck can carry up to 300 gallons of water.

Asst. Chief Christopher Multari with the Congers Fire Department said, “This vehicle will be one of the first pieces of equipment to respond to any type of brush fire anywhere in Congers, especially on the train tracks.  We may not be able to get any other piece of equipment down the tracks quickly, especially if the fire is close to a train tunnel going into Haverstraw.”

This month, a CSX train collided with a truck at the Pineview Crossing in West Nyack, and in April, a car burst into flames after colliding with a train at the Kings Highway Train Crossing in Valley Cottage. Rockland County has seen a number of train collisions with vehicles over the years. At the Lake Road Crossing there have been 7 accidents involving a vehicle and a CSX train, one of which resulted in injury to a driver, according to data from the Federal Railroad Administration. At the Pineview Crossing there have been 6 accidents involving a vehicle and a CSX train, which have resulted in 3 people suffering injuries.

“Rockland County has a number of CSX freight trains that go through the community, and accidents have been all too common,” said Senator David Carlucci. “We needed to outfit our first responders with the equipment needed to protect themselves and keep our residents safe. Seconds are precious when trying to save lives.”

The Congers Fire Department said Carlucci was instrumental in getting the $100,000 in State funding needed to purchase and custom make the brush truck.