Harckham Inspects New Mechanical Stretchers at Chappaqua Ambulance Corps

Chappaqua, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham visited the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps (CVAC) recently to inspect the two new mechanical stretchers purchased with a $115,000 state grant that he secured.

“It is so important to make sure that our first responders have the latest and newest equipment available so they can do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Harckham. “We will continue to do everything possible to help them meet the needs of our community, and we thank them for their service and sacrifice.”

The new mechanical stretchers, vital for safe transport of patients, are fully automated and used on every 911 call; they replaced other stretchers that were seven years old and malfunctioning. A major benefit of the stretchers is that they allow CVAC personnel to easily load and unload patients from ambulances without having to lift both individuals and stretcher apparatus. Instead, the stretcher’s legs fold under the cot automatically as the stretcher is rolled into the vehicle.

CVAC Captain Marc Hirschfield said, “New stretchers are quite expensive. The grant from Senator Harckham enabled us to purchase the needed stretchers. CVAC very much appreciates the Senator’s efforts as well as the efforts of New Castle Town Councilmember Jeremy Saland in connecting us with the Senator and helping to arrange for the grant.”

New Castle Town Councilmember Jeremy Saland said, “I am grateful I could connect our volunteers with Senator Harckham, who put in the time and effort to secure a much-needed grant for two new stretchers. And I am thankful knowing we can count on our selfless volunteers—and Senator Harckham—to step up for New Castle when our residents need them most.”

CVAC answered more than 900 calls last year, double the pre-Covid pandemic levels.

Harckham has secured more than $2.1 million in state funding for firefighters and first responders in the 40th Senate District since 2019, so they can make critical vehicle and equipment acquisitions to ensure the safety of area residents.

The awarded grant funding was secured within the State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM), which is among the grant programs administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) to support community and economic development.