Fire Departments keep on truckin’

Oct. 25--HORNELL -- The fire safety of the region is on a more certain and sustainable path after two area departments received funding for new trucks.

Senator Tom O'Mara (R-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-Corning) made a stop in Fremont on Tuesday to announce that their offices would be supporting the funding of new fire trucks for the Fremont and North Hornell Volunteer Fire Departments.

The Fremont Fire Department received more than $200,000 towards a new rescue truck, which will replace a model that was 31 years old.

The department was also able to purchase new rescue tools, light tower and air bags for the truck.

"We average 20-25 call per year on it, so rescue along with the ambulance was one one of our greatest needs," said Fremont Fire First Assistant Chief Barry Dye. "If it wasn't for Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano's offices, we wouldn't be able to do it. Our budget is $60,000 every year and $20,000 of that goes to insurance. We're very excited and thankful for them making this dream."

The truck is due to enter service this weekend.

North Hornell Fire Department also received $215,000 towards a 300,000 gallon pumper tanker truck. The truck will take the place of a decommissioned 1994 engine. The department had gone without a tanker for several years, and with growing responsibilities for large facilities, it became a vital need.

"It will allow us to be better equipped to fight fires in areas like parts of Hornellsville, where there aren't hydrants," Chief Michael Robbins described. "We're very grateful for what Senator O'Mara was able to do for us and what he's done for a few departments in our area."

According to Mayor John Falci, the truck cost more than $300,000, and the grant represented a major savings to tax payers.

"It's something that we probably could not have afforded unless we raised taxes considerably, so, the grant saves us money and will allow us to budget over the next couple of years to pay for this. We greatly appreciate it," he said.

The truck is already in service.

"Our volunteers are the backbone of our rural communities. You look out for the safety of your neighbors and community members, and you look out for the taxpayers as well," Palmesano said citing a study stating that their absence would cost the state $3.2 billion. "We appreciate what you do each and every day."

"The better your equipment, the safer you're going to be yourselves while doing the job," O'Mara said. "Keep up the great work ... you provide a great service to your community."

Earlier in the afternoon, the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA) endorsed O'Mara for re-election at an event in Hornell.

NYSPFFA Executive Vice President David J. Holleran, NYSPFFA Fourth District Vice President, Hornell Firefighters Association IAFF Local 835 President Chris Cartella, and other firefighters and local officials joined O'Mara to make the endorsement at the Hornell American Legion.

NYSPFFA represents firefighters in Hornell, Elmira, Corning and Ithaca in O'Mara's district and 18,000 firefighters statewide.

The event was hosted in Hornell to highlight the Senator's role in delivering aid to local fire departments over the years. The announcement was made in front of a ladder truck that O'Mara helped fund with $500,000 from his discretionary fund.

"When you have a tremendous advocate as we have in Senator O'Mara, you want to hang on to them," said Hornell Mayor John Buckley. "It's not just about what he's done for area fire departments, but on so many other levels -- helping out school districts, constituent services. We have a great working relationship. There are so many ways that Senator O'Mara helps out the district that you don't hear on the radio or read in the newspaper. It would be a shame to lose that."

Chris Cartella, representing Hornell Firefighters Association IAFF Local 835, also delivered their endorsement.

"This is not a matter of any small significance to us," he said. "To be able to secure the funds to purchase this machine really means the world to us, our health and safety. We really like getting to go home to our families at night. It greatly enhances our firefighting ability."

O'Mara also received the endorsement of the AFL-CIO, a parent organization to the IAAF Local 835, which was announced earlier this week.

Holleran then delivered remarks and the formal endorsement from NYSPFFA.

Throughout his tenure, Senator has worked tirelessly not only on the local level, but on the state level to assist us with initiatives we're trying to put in place to address the safety concerns we have for firefighters across the state. He's always been there for us. We have a lot of traditions in the fire service, and one of those is to support those who support us, so this was an easy decision for us," he said.

O'Mara expressed his thanks for the endorsement.

"I'm honored to receive it, as well as the other labor endorsements I've received," he said. "I know how our professional firefighters and volunteers work together in so many ways. It's critical that we have these relationships to provide service to our more rural areas. It's about public service and public safety."

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