Tuesday, October 30, 2007 

798-5800

Picente Announces Funding for Sauquoit
Fire Department

            Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., today announced that the Sauquoit Volunteer Fire Department is being awarded a $2,987 grant to buy a vital piece of rescue equipment that can assist firefighters in freeing victims trapped in collapsed buildings,  automobile wreckage, or the debris of collapsed bridges.

            “Upgrading the equipment available to the Sauquoit Volunteer Fire Department is an important way to help these dedicated volunteers respond to emergencies with even greater ability to provide timely assistance,” Picente said. “At a time when Fire Departments are caught between rising needs and limited funding, and at a time when new technology exists that can help them save lives, I am proud that we are able to work with them to provide a piece of equipment that will increase their ability to free people trapped in debris of any kind.”

           Oneida County Legislator Brian Miller, who brought the Department’s need for the equipment to the county’s attention, said, “We must give our first responders the best possible tools we can so that they can respond to disasters in the most effective fashion. Upgrading equipment for the Sauquoit Volunteer Fire Department not only helps the people who live in the town, but also the many residents of our region who pass through the town on our major highways. I commend our Fire Department for their interest in getting the best possible equipment to do the job.”

            Picente said the money for the grant comes from Oneida County 's award from the NYS Office of Homeland Security Program (SHSP). The funding of this grant is from the FEMA National Preparedness Directorate.