Senator Stachowski Presents Grant To Fire Chiefs

Senator Stachowski Presents Grant To Fire Chiefs

Funds for Water Rescue Team Benefit All WNYer’s Using Area Waterways

Senator William T. Stachowski (D-58th District, Buffalo/Lakeview) joined the Hamburg Fire Chief’s Association at Hamburg Town Beach, to present a New York State Legislative grant to the Hamburg Water Rescue Unit for more than $18,000.

The Hamburg Water Rescue Unit, part of the Hamburg Fire Chief’s Association, was formed 23 years ago following a tragedy off the shores of Hamburg Tow Park. Since that time the Water Rescue Unit has been responded to hundreds of calls and saved numerous lives.

“I am proud to have been a longtime dedicated supporter of the Hamburg Water Rescue Unit since its inception,” said Senator Stachowski. “This rescue team has saved lives since it was started, not only here in Hamburg, but all along the Lake Erie and Niagara River shores. It is particularly gratifying to know that this grant will help them continue to provide highly trained emergency services for fire and ice rescue, diving, and fire fighting on water.”

Ronald Klimowicz, Chief of Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company and Chief of Hamburg Water Rescue Unit, said,  “The Hamburg Water Rescue Unit would not exist today if not for the dedication and support of Senator Stachowski.” Chief Klimowicz added, “The grant funding received will help the Hamburg Water Rescue Unit upgrade and expand our dive rescue operations to include surface to diver communications and additional dry suits, update personal protective gear for the safety of our members and pay for our ever increasing insurance costs associated with providing the dangerous operations of water related emergencies across Western New York.”

The NYS Legislative Grant, provided by Senator Stachowski will fund the following equipment acquisitions for the Hamburg Water Rescue Unit: two new sets of dive gear, two AGA full face dive masks, dive communications from diver to surface, ten floatation jackets (currently purchased out of pocket by team members) and full annual insurance funding for the unit. These program additions will allow the Hamburg Water Rescue Unit to assist and rescue persons wherever the emergency takes them. The Unit has been dispatched as far away as Binghamton, NY and Washington DC, for flood search and rescue.