Senator Jen Metzger Secures Vital Search and Rescue Funding for Woodridge Joint Fire District

Woodridge, NY...Earlier today, Senator Jen Metzger (SD-42) held a press conference outside the Woodridge Joint Fire District’s firehouse to announce $50,000 in State and Municipal Facilities Capital (SAM) funding for the Village’s fire department. The SAM grant will enable the purchase of extrication equipment and an all-terrain vehicle for search and rescue operations. 

Working to complete the grant application was a family endeavor. Fallsburg Town Clerk Donna Akerley, wife of Woodridge Fire Chief Eric Akerley who serves as the Woodridge Fire District's Secretary and Treasurer, worked with her husband and Metzger’s office to complete all the paperwork required to get the fire department nominated for the grant.

"We depend on our volunteer fire departments and EMS to keep us safe, and this funding will ensure that the Woodridge Joint Fire District has the proper tools to perform search and rescue operations safely and expeditiously, and will save lives," said Senator Jen Metzger. 

Woodridge Joint Fire District Chief Eric Akerley said, “On behalf of our membership and our Commissioners, I would like to thank Senator Metzger for securing this Grant Award. Because of the combined efforts of your staff member Mandy Fallon, and my wife Donna Akerley, the Fire District’s Secretary / Treasurer as well as the Town Clerk for the Town of Fallsburg, and the foresight of our Fire Commissioners to guarantee the funding for overages, we are now able to purchase much needed equipment.”

Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steven Vegliante said, “I am honored to join Senator Metzger at this important announcement…The Woodridge Fire Department will always hold a special place in my heart, and this important grant will assist their members in their life saving efforts.  Thank you Senator Metzger for securing these funds that will help save the lives of Fallsburg residents!"

Jen Metzger represents the 42nd Senate District, which includes all of Sullivan County and parts of Delaware, Orange, and Ulster Counties. Senator Metzger serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and sits on the Environmental Conservation, Education, Health, Energy and Telecommunications, Local Government, Women’s Issues, Domestic Animal Welfare, and Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Committees.

                                                                      ###