He’s not a first responder, but State Senator Jim Seward might as well be one.
That’s what Bill Bivona, head of the Schoharie County Fire Chiefs Association and Jefferson fire chief told Senator Seward Monday in Cobleskill.
With the 2018-19 state budget finalized Friday, Senator Seward was in Cobleskill Monday to award $120,000 to the county to purchase emergency pagers for its 17 local fire departments and $100,000 to the Village of Cobleskill to be used for fire, rescue, and law enforcement services as a way to help offset the impact of SUNY Cobleskill.
“You’re not a first responder, but we consider you one,” said Chief Bivona.
The money for pagers will be used to replace a system so obsolete there are no replacement parts, he said.
“You made a way where there was no way,” he said.
“Protecting the public is the top responsibility of government and elected officials, Senator Seward told a crowd of about two dozen EMS and law enforcement representatives.
“I know how important communication is in any emergency response. This ensures that when firefighters are needed, the calls will get to them.”
As a host community to SUNY Cobleskill, the village sees many benefits, Senator Seward said, but there are also additional expenses and the $100,000—SUNY Impact Aid--awarded Monday will help offset them.
Mayor Linda Holmes said the village will decide how to divide up the money between the rescue squad, and fire and police departments.
“Senator Seward recognizes the need to balance the positive traits of hosting a SUNY school with the added public safety costs,” said Mayor Holmes. “This money is a real relief to taxpayers.”