Senator Jim Alesi (R- Perinton) was joined today by local EMS and firefighters to announce $428,000 in state funding that Senator Alesi has secured for emergency responders in the 2008 state budget. The funding announcement coincides with National EMS Week, which runs from May 18th – May 24th. To date, Senator Alesi has secured over 3.8 million dollars for local fire stations, ambulance, and 1st responder units within the 55th Senate District
"Volunteers are the lifeblood of fire companies and emergency service corps throughout the state," said Senator Alesi. "Our first responders have one of the toughest jobs - often responding to unknown and dangerous situations, putting their lives on the line to save ours. There is nothing more gratifying than securing these funds to ensure their lives are protected so they can continue to protect others."
"The Monroe County Emergency Services thank Senator Alesi for all his support over the past twelve years as our representative," said Bill Evans, Third Battalion Deputy. "Throughout the years Senator Alesi has been a great supporter of not only the agencies which provide vital services to the community, but also to the members who put their lives on the line to help others."
The nearly half million in state funding secured by Senator Alesi is divided among local first responders within the 55th Senate district. This includes police, fire, and EMS units in Chili, East Rochester, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Mendon, Penfield, Perinton, Pittsford, Riga, Rush and Wheatland.
In addition to the state funding, Senator Alesi presented representatives from local EMS and fire stations with a New York State Resolution proclaiming May 18th-24th as Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Week, in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions these outstanding individuals make to protect and to care for the residents of the State of New York.
Growing up in a family which served with volunteer fire and ambulance companies, Senator Alesi recognizes the dedication of volunteer fire and ambulance workers in saving lives and protecting the public. A law written by the Senator substantially raised the weekly compensation for volunteer firefighters who are classified as permanently and totally disabled because of injuries received in the line of duty.
The Senator was also the original author of legislation adopted as a budget initiative that created a scholarship program to increase the recruitment and retention of volunteers. Senator Alesi continues to advocate for benefits and incentives for volunteer firefighters such as permanent cost of living adjustments for those permanently disabled due to injuries in the line of duty and Enhanced STAR tax exemptions.
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