Senator Michelle Hinchey Announces $50,000 Grant to Help West Hurley Fire Department with Local Trail Rescues, Fight Brush Fires

KINGSTON, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey today announced a $50,000 grant awarded by her office to West Hurley Fire Department through the State and Municipal Facilities Capital (SAM) grant program. The funding secured by Hinchey will support the Department’s purchase of a utility track vehicle (UTV), which will be used to fight fires and rescue injured hikers in areas inaccessible to firetrucks.

“Our volunteer firefighters never hesitate to answer the call when our community members are in need, and when I saw West Hurley Fire Department’s billboard while driving down Route 375, soliciting donations for a UTV, it was my privilege to answer their call and deliver the funding they needed to purchase this vital emergency vehicle,” Senator Michelle Hinchey said. “The men and women of West Hurley Fire, and all of the volunteer members across my district, put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and I will always fight to ensure that they are fully equipped with the resources that will make their jobs a little bit easier and safer.”

“Senator Hinchey came through like a champion for West Hurley Fire District,” West Hurley Fire Commissioner Bill Heinitz said. “Senator Hinchey understood that with increased tourism in our area, we needed a vehicle that could get everywhere our larger apparatuses could not, and she delivered. Once the UTV is in service, our members will be able to respond to brush fires and other emergencies quicker and more efficiently. This UTV will be equipped with a hose reel and water tank as well as a stokes basket, and we are very excited to add it to our inventory. On behalf of the entire West Hurley Fire District, I would like to thank Senator Hinchey for her time, effort, and care in securing this important grant.”

Senator Hinchey delivered news of the grant award to members of the West Hurley Fire Department at their annual installation dinner where she also recognized several longstanding members for their decades of service, including Fire Commissioner Justus Rice, who is celebrating his 50th year with the department, and Commissioner Bill Heinitz who received Firefighter of the Year.

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