Stony Point, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the Stony Point Fire District has received critical turnout gear and specialized wildfire equipment, purchased through a $50,000 state grant he secured to support local first responders.

“The brave Stony Point firefighters deserve our gratitude—and the very best tools and equipment,” said Senator Harckham. “These upgraded suits, including specialized wildfire gear, are essential as we face increasing extreme weather and fire risk. I’m proud to support our firefighters while helping ease the burden on local taxpayers.”

The funding was awarded through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) Program, administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

🔥 Upgraded Gear Includes:

• Modern protective turnout clothing: jackets, pants, helmets, boots

• Specialized wildland firefighting suits designed for extreme heat and rugged terrain

“On behalf of the Stony Point Fire District, we are deeply grateful to Senator Harckham for championing this vital funding,” said Kevin Huslinger, Chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. “This advanced gear meets the evolving demands of today’s firefighting.”

“Our firefighters are our greatest asset, and nothing is more important than ensuring their safety,” said Kurt Mulligan, Chief of the Stony Point Fire District. “We’re proud and grateful that Senator Harckham shares our commitment to equipping those who put their lives on the line for our community.”

The new gear ensures firefighters are fully equipped to handle emergencies ranging from structural fires to the growing threat of wildfires in the region.

Senator Harckham has delivered a total of $3.1 million in grant funding for the Town of Stony Point and the North Rockland Central School District since these areas became part of the 40th Senate District in 2022.
Since taking office in 2019, Harckham has secured over $30 million in New York State Senate funding for municipalities, first responders, and nonprofits throughout his district.

📸 Attached Photo: State Sen. Pete Harckham with (l-r) Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners Chair Kevin Huslinger, SPFD Chief Kurt Mulligan, and SPFD Treasurer Brendan Martin.
📷 Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons

Haverstraw, NY — On Sunday, June 22, volunteer firefighters and multiple emergency service agencies took part in a train derailment emergency response drill in the Villages of West Haverstraw and Haverstraw, simulating a real-world rail incident as part of an ongoing regional preparedness effort.

The exercise was organized by the North Rockland Emergency Rail Organization (NERO), a specialized task force formed to ensure readiness in the event of a rail-related emergency in Rockland County. The full-scale drill tested coordination, communication, and tactical response among first responders, fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, and supporting agencies.

The simulation included staged scenarios that mimicked real-life derailment conditions—complete with mock casualties, emergency triage areas, and containment procedures—offering a valuable hands-on experience for participants.

Agencies participating in the exercise included:

The West Haverstraw Volunteer Fire Department
The Haverstraw Volunteer Fire Department
The Thiells Volunteer Fire Department
Chris Jensen and the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services
The Town of Haverstraw Police Department
Mayor Robert D’Amelio and the Village of West Haverstraw Board
Mayor Michael Kohut and the Village of Haverstraw Board
Supervisor Howard Phillips and the Town of Haverstraw Board
Sheriff Louis Falco and The Rockland County Sheriff’s Department
The Haverstraw Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
WHFD Firefighter Joe DeLucia
The Rockland County Volunteer Hazardous Materials Team
RC Volunteer Deputy Fire Coordinators & Chiefs – Thomas McKiernan, Michael Yannazzone Jr., Patrick Pasculo, & Bobby LaGrow
The Rockland County Volunteer Fire Police Officers Association
Veolia Water Company
Orange and Rockland Utilities
CSX Transportation Inc.
Rockland County Legislator Paul Cleary
West Haverstraw DPW Superintendent Anthony Sparta and his staff

NERO and local officials extended their sincere thanks to the residents and businesses of West Haverstraw and Haverstraw for their patience and cooperation during the drill. The exercise did temporarily impact local traffic and noise levels, but residents overwhelmingly supported the initiative, recognizing the importance of proactive preparedness.

This event underscores the ongoing commitment of North Rockland emergency service agencies to mitigate disasters and respond quickly and effectively when real emergencies strike.