May 2, 2008- As a result of the efforts of Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) and City of Newburgh I.A.F.F. Local 589 firefighters union to secure local funding in the 2007-08 state budget, 70 firefighters in the City of Newburgh have now received new high tech safety equipment.

Senator Larkin and the Union successfully fought for a $55,000 grant that allowed Newburgh fire fighters to purchase interior structural protective helmets, self rescue ropes and harnesses, descent control devices, anchor hooks and exercise training equipment.

The department will replace helmets that have been in service since 1990. In addition, self rescue ropes and harnesses will be issued to each firefighter and will aid in his/her exit from upper floors by way of a window or roof when trapped because of blocked or inaccessible staircases. The grant is also helping the department access training equipment to help its members with the physical demands of fire fighting.

Senator Larkin said, "A great deal of the equipment our fire fighters in Newburgh have been using is quite outdated, some of it more than 18 years old. Thankfully, new innovations in helmet technology, for example, have saved the lives of countless fire fighters and for this reason, it was extremely important to secure this funding in the budget. We know the risks they take and the dangers they face when we call on them for help. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day. Mayor Nick Valentine and I will continue to do everything possible to ensure that they have the best equipment, protection and resources available as they continue to do their very difficult job in our communities."

Mayor Valentine said, "I would like to thank Senator Larkin for his continued support of the City of Newburgh Fire Department, and the Union for their perseverance in securing the best possible equipment and training for our firefighters. Because of their efforts, the residents of the City of Newburgh are safer."

Enrico LoCicero, President of the City of Newburgh Professional Fire Fighters I.A.F.F. Local 589, said, "In the wake of a fire on Jan. 23, 2005, now known as "Black Sunday," two firefighters were killed and four seriously injured when they were forced to jump from a fourth floor window of a burning building in the Bronx. A self-rescue system was desperately needed to prevent another tragic incident. That's when companies like RIT designed the system you see here today. The members of the City of Newburgh Fire Department felt that if it (Black Sunday) happened there, it could happen here. That's when we decided to go to Senator Larkin, a good friend of Local 589 and the Fire Department."

While the Union was in the process of applying for the grant and testing different safety systems, the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association submitted legislation requiring that municipalities supply firefighters with personal safety systems (PSS). The legislation was signed into law in 2007.

The funds also made it possible for the Union to purchase new helmets. "As a result of Senator Larkin's efforts and the hard work of Local 589, the City of Newburgh will not have to bear the cost of the new equipment," said LoCicero. "Senator Larkin has always been there when it comes to the safety of our members and the people of the City of Newburgh."

In the past, Senator Larkin has secured more than $500,000 in funding for safety equipment and new gear for City of Newburgh firefighters, Deputy Chief Chris Barrett noted.

  -  RIT Escape Systems provided by All Hands Fire Equipment  www.allhandsfire.com 
  -  Training provided by First Due Training www.firstduetraining.com   

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