Grant money means a new fire truck for Poughkeepsie, with no impact on taxpayers

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Mayor Rolison, center, and other officials

POUGHKEEPSIE – For the past five years, it has been a struggle
just to stay put with old firefighting equipment, said Poughkeepsie Fire
Chief Mark Johnson said, while standing in front of an ancient fire truck
soon to be replaced.

He said being able to replace 20-year-old equipment that may be called
out several times a day, serves a critical safety need for both the department
and the public.

“You can do the math on 20 years of wear and tear and firefighting
and the huge financial expense it is to maintain these so they’re
safe for our firefighters to operate as well as the safety and efficiency
when they get to the scene to make sure they operate properly and safely,”
Johnson said.
The city is in no position to afford a half million dollars out of the
city budget, to grant money, secured by Assemblyman Frank Skartados, will
cover the purchase of a replacement engine.

“I certainly appreciate the mayor’s efforts to try to find
efficiencies and stabilize the financial situation of the city,”
Skartados said.
Mayor Robert Rolison noted that with the $500,000 for the new truck,
Skartados has fun over $1.4 million to the City of Poughkeepsie for various
infrastructure needs.”

 




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