WURTSBORO – United States Senator Chuck Schumer made a surprise visit to Wurtsboro Airport this past Friday in order to announce a new federal initiative designed to help local fire departments combat brush fires. The plan, which was announced less than a week after a large fire scorched more than 300 acres of the Shawangunk ridge in Wurtsboro, calls for an increase in funding in three areas, all of which would help communities such as Wurtsboro to train and retain volunteers, as well as provide the necessary equipment for fighting this type of fire.

"Volunteer firefighters combine two amazing things: they risk their lives for us, and they don't get paid to do it. Instead, they do it out of a spirit of duty," Schumer said. "I have always been a strong supporter of volunteer fire departments."

Schumer's plan, which he also announced at a similar press conference at Minnewaska State Park that same afternoon, would double the funding — from $600,000 to $1.2 million per year — for the US Forest Service State Fire Assistance Program (SFA) and the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program (VFA). The increase in funds would assist the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in providing training programs that are designed specifically to teach firefighters how to combat brush fires. A press release provided by the senator's office states that in 2008 there have been nearly 200 brush fires in Sullivan County and close to 300 in Ulster County. There was, in fact, another brush fire over the weekend following the press conference, this time in Mountaindale, which charred approximately 70 acres.

"The federal government seems to think that brush fires stop at the Mississippi River," Schumer said. "They're a problem here in the east as well as in the west."

The plan would also help the Federal Fire Grant Program, which is designed to help communities purchase the correct equipment for fighting brush fires. This type of specialty equipment differs from what's used during structure fires, as firefighters need a greater range of mobility when working in forested areas. The program would also provide funding for additional resources such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). If approved, the national program would see an increase in funding from $565 million per year to over $1 billion. Sullivan County received $3.5 million from this program between 2001 and 2009.

Finally, Schumer's initiative would increase funding for the Staffing and Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, program, which is designed to help fire companies retain personnel. The legislation would allow fire companies to use grant money to prevent layoffs, as well as for the rehiring of personnel whose jobs have been cut due to budget problems. Schumer also announced his intention to introduce legislation that would grant a $1,000-per-year tax credit to individuals who spend at least six months out of each year working as volunteer fire fighters. The credit, which would constitute a payment in lieu of taxes, would be an added incentive for those who volunteer their time with the local fire company.

Sullivan County Public Safety Commissioner Richard Martinkovic thanked Schumer for recognizing the importance of volunteer fire departments, as well as for his efforts to help local districts to attain the proper equipment.

"We appreciate your coming today, and to give us the support from the federal government," Martinovic said.

Matrinovic said that volunteer firefighters work hard and put in a lot of hours, often with little recognition, so it was heartening to see Schumer give his full attention to the cause.

At the end of the press conference, First Assistant Chief Charles Corrigan of the Wurtsboro Fire Department presented Schumer with a certificate of appreciation for his efforts on behalf of volunteer fire fighters. He also presented Schumer with a Wurtsboro Fire Department tee-shirt and two baseball caps. Schumer said he was looking forward to wearing them on his next bike ride.

Corrigan also invited Schumer to come back sometime and inspect the fire station. It is thought that the senator may be back in Wurtsboro for the Sullivan County Bicentennial celebration in late August.

COMMENTS about this article (2)