State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) today awarded $65,000 to the Onondaga County Volunteer Firefighters Association (OCVFA). This funding will be used to purchase a new tow truck for OCVFA’s fire safety trailer.

“The Onondaga County Volunteer Firefighters Association has done amazing work, fostering cooperation between local fire departments and educating the people of Central New York on fire safety for more than 100 years,” said Senator Ryan. “This new tow truck will help ensure that OCVFA can continue bringing its safety trailer to communities across Onondaga County, providing families with valuable fire safety education and resources. I’m proud to support the OCVFA and the volunteer firefighters who keep our communities safe everyday.”

In December of 2025, Senator Ryan awarded $120,000 to OCVFA to replace their fire safety trailer, which had not been updated since 2003. The trailer is used to educate children, families and young adults on the dangers of house and dorm fires as well as giving instructions on how to prevent fires from occurring.

“The Onondaga County Volunteer Firefighters Association is grateful for the continued support of our communities and their commitment to keeping our firefighters and residents safe,” said Mike Block, Public Education Officer for OCVFA. “With the support of Senator Ryan, we are able to provide our volunteer firefighters with the tools and resources necessary to ensure proper, effective training. The new training truck will expand our ability to bring hands-on, real-time training directly to communities and departments throughout the area. This valuable resource will allow us to provide training at events and locations wherever we are called upon to support our fellow firefighters. By bringing the training to our communities, we can strengthen preparedness, enhance safety, and ensure our volunteers have the skills and equipment needed to respond when they are needed most. We sincerely thank Senator Ryan and our communities for their continued support of the Onondaga County Volunteer Firefighters Association and our mission to protect those we serve.”