Skoufis Hosts Legislative Breakfast for First Responders

**PRESS RELEASE**

Skoufis Hosts Legislative Breakfast for First Responders

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) hosted a breakfast for first responders across the 39th Senate District to discuss this year’s legislative session, code enforcement, training, funding, membership, and retention. 

Members of fire companies from both Orange and Rockland counties were in attendance including the Walden Fire District, Washingtonville Fire District, Stony Point Ambulance Corps, Newburgh Volunteer Ambulance, Fort Montgomery Fire Department, the Hudson Valley Fireman’s Association, and more. 

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the many volunteer first responders who attended our roundtable last month and who represent hundreds of public servants in their respective fire and EMS companies,” said Senator James Skoufis. “I thank them all for their service and I look forward to partnering with our first responders to ensure they have the resources and laws needed to most effectively serve our community. I am confident that my investigative report on code enforcement will inform new laws to enhance safety for our first responders and help protect the very people who put themselves aside to protect the rest of us.” 

James Hartwick, Legislative Chairman Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman's Association said, “I thank Senator Skoufis for hosting this legislative breakfast. It is imperative to hear from the Hudson Valley's first responders and to hear our Senator's insight. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues of illegal housing and code enforcement to keep our communities safe.”  

Chief  Larry   Sager of the Walden Fire District said, “I thank Senator Skoufis for having the insight to host this legislative roundtable. It was great to hear from other first responders across the district and to have an opportunity to share our thoughts with our Senator. I look forward to continuing to work together because it’s important for the safety of our constituents that we are all on the same page.”

In August, Skoufis, Chair of the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee, released his investigative report on code enforcement in New York State. Among many findings and recommendations, the report found a severe lack of resources and support available to code enforcement officers and first responders. Skoufis will take these findings and recommendations into the upcoming legislative session to ensure that no more first responders or residents perish from dangerous housing conditions. 

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