Connect with us

Government

Harckham’s $50,000 Grant Helps Stony Point FD Enhance Firefighter Safety

Published

12 months ago

on

New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the Stony Point Fire District has been awarded a $50,000 state grant for the purchase and maintenance of critical firefighter turnout gear, including specialized equipment designed for combating wildfires, all of which will help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the town’s first responders.

Harckham has so far secured a total of $3.1 million in grant funding for the Town of Stony Point, North Rockland schools, libraries and non-profit organizations serving the community since the town became part of the 40th Senate District in 2022.

The grant will enable the Fire District to equip its firefighters with modern, high-quality turnout gear, which includes protective clothing such as jackets, pants, helmets, and boots. A portion of the funding is earmarked specifically for specialized wildfire gear, designed to withstand the intense heat and rugged conditions of wildland firefighting. This investment ensures that firefighters are prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies, from structure fires to the growing threat of wildfires in the region.

“On behalf of the Stony Point Fire District, we extend our gratitude to Senator Harckham for securing this critical funding,” said Kevin Huslinger, chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. “This grant will allow us to outfit our firefighters with the latest protective gear, including specialized equipment for wildfires, which is essential as we work to keep our community safe in an ever-changing environment. Senator Harckham’s support strengthens our ability to serve and protect.”

Stony Point Fire Chief Kurt Mulligan added, “With this new gear, our firefighters can face both structure fires and wildfires with the appropriate safety equipment, each of which is designed for the specific nature of those calls. It’s not just about equipment—it’s about bringing our team home safely after every call. We’re incredibly thankful for this investment in our district and fire company members.”

[Attached photo: State Sen. Pete Harckham with Robert Sullivan, vice chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons]

 

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

$16 Million Route 304 Repaving Project Set for Rockland County

Published

3 days ago

on

March 7, 2026

By

NANUET, NY — A long-awaited repaving project along State Route 304 is scheduled to begin this spring, bringing a $16 million infrastructure investment to Rockland County.

New York State Senator Bill Weber announced the project alongside Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann, members of the Clarkstown Town Board, and Rockland County Legislator Will Kennelly.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) confirmed that crews will mill and resurface Route 304 from the pavement joint south of West Nyack Road to U.S. Route 9W.

Construction is expected to begin during the spring 2026 construction season. Most of the work will take place overnight to reduce disruptions for drivers and nearby businesses.

“For years, residents have raised concerns about the poor condition of Route 304,” Weber said. “Potholes, uneven pavement, and safety issues have been a constant complaint. I’m pleased to see this $16 million investment moving forward and relief on the way for the thousands of drivers who use this road every day.”

According to Weber, his office began advocating for improvements to the roadway several years ago after hearing concerns from residents and local officials. He said the project reflects continued engagement with state transportation officials to secure needed infrastructure upgrades.

The project will include milling the existing roadway and installing a new asphalt overlay. Crews will also complete targeted concrete repairs, review drainage conditions, restore pavement markings, and install audible roadway delineators to improve driver safety.

Weber also pointed to another major infrastructure project in the 38th Senate District. A $9 million improvement project on Route 303, stretching from Al Foxie Way to Route 9W in the towns of Clarkstown and Orangetown, is currently underway and expected to be completed by next winter.

“Safe roads are essential to our daily lives, our local economy, and the well-being of our community,” Weber said. “I will continue working with state and local partners to ensure Rockland County receives the infrastructure investment it deserves.”

Continue Reading

Government

Pentagon Identifies 4 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iran Drone Strike

Published

7 days ago

on

March 4, 2026

By

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon on Tuesday identified four of the six American service members killed during the opening hours of the war with Iran.

The soldiers died Saturday in Kuwait when an Iranian drone struck a U.S. tactical operations center at the Port of Shuaiba, a key military logistics hub supporting regional operations.

Those identified are:

  • Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven

  • Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue

  • Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake

  • Spc. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines

Defense officials said the service members were supporting operations in the region when the drone impacted the command post. Two additional soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified pending notification of next of kin.

The strike marks the first confirmed U.S. military fatalities since hostilities between the United States and Iran escalated. Military officials have warned that further casualties are possible as operations continue across the region.

Continue Reading

Trending