Ritchie Helps Smithville Upgrade Aging Fire Hall

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she has secured $50,000 in funding to help the Smithville Fire District in Jefferson County cover the cost of an addition to its fire hall.

The district used the money to  increase the size of its fire bays—going from a space where trucks barely fit next to each other—to bays where firefighters have room to get in and out of the trucks without moving nearby equipment first. In addition, the project included a new roof on the facility, a new heating system, a new radio room, storage and more.

“In fire response, every second is critical,” said Senator Ritchie. “Ensuring these volunteers can respond to a call without having to waste time moving equipment around first is essential to the safety of those in Smithville and nearby communities. I am grateful to have played a role in this project, and thankful for the important work this department’s volunteers do each and every day to keep the public safe.”

“These upgrades have changed, for the better, just about everything we do before leaving for a call,” said Smithville Fire Chief Andy Weldon. “Not only are we arriving on scenes faster, but it makes the jobs of our volunteers that much easier, which helps with morale and keeps them here volunteering. Having Senator Ritchie help get this project off the ground has been truly special for all of us.”

This funding is yet another example of Senator Ritchie’s efforts to improve public safety across Central and Northern New York. Most recently, in October, Senator Ritchie announced $95,000 in state funding to help support fire departments across Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oswego Counties.