Harckham Announces $50K State Senate Grant Funding for Mount Kisco FD’s New Command Vehicle

Mt. Kisco, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham visited the Independent Fire Company of Mount Kisco recently to announce the purchase of a new command vehicle for the department. The vehicle, a 2023 Chevy Tahoe, was purchased with a $50,000 State senate grant that Harckham was able to secure for the department. 

Fire departments use command vehicles to improve internal communication by providing greater mobility to the chief or an assistant chief, so they can be the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency and determine the appropriate response.   

“Providing our first responders with the tools they need is a top priority of mine,” said Harckham. “Quick response times and efficient communication are absolutely essential in emergency situations where people’s lives can be at risk. That’s why this investment is so crucial. I’m happy I could provide needed support to the Independent Fire Company of Mount Kisco while also easing the burden on local taxpayers.”   

The vehicle cost approximately $90,000 in total and came outfitted with a state-of-the-art Whelen emergency warning package that can alert oncoming traffic of an in-progress emergency without blinding motorists to ensure the safety of firefighters working the scene.

Additionally, the command vehicle is equipped with essential firefighting tools, so a chief can personally manage certain calls that don’t require a full-scale response from the department. These supplies include a handheld thermal imaging camera, a gas detector, a Knox Box, a heavy-duty flashlight, portable and mobile radios, an air pack and structural firefighting gear. 

Second Assistant Chief Raymond J. Zaccari of the Independent Fire Company of Mount Kisco said, “We worked diligently with members from Senator Harckham’s office to complete this project. In an emergency, every second counts, and this vehicle will enable the chief to respond to the scene in a timely manner to properly assess an emergency incident and formulate a plan of action prior to the arrival of other fire personnel. Thank you, Senator Harckham, for your continued support of the Independent Fire Company of Mount Kisco.” 

Senator Harckham has secured more than $7.9 million in past and pending senate grant funding to make critical vehicle and equipment acquisitions in support of firefighters and other emergency first responders since taking office in 2019. The awarded grant funding for the Independent Fire Company of Mount Kisco was secured within the State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM), which is administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).