EASTCHESTER, NY - Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) yesterday visited a training exercise of the Westchester County Special Operations Task Force.  Lowey has secured $700,000 in federal funds for the Task Force over the last three years.

“The recent attacks in London remind us that we can’t let down our guard when it comes to preparing for and preventing terrorist attacks. It is critical that we do everything we can to support our first responders on the front lines here at home,” said Lowey, who observed fire fighters training in Eastchester.

The Task Force is a partnership between local municipalities and the County designed to protect our region.  The Task Force’s mission is to be capable of responding within minutes to weapons of mass destruction, hazardous materials, and technical rescue incidents with on-duty personnel.  The fire departments involved are organized into squads, which will operate under a unified command when responding together to a large scale emergency. 

In order to become certified to serve on the force, each trainee must complete a one-day training session, which includes classroom instruction followed by exercises using hazardous materials equipment.

Fire departments participating in the Task Force include White Plains, Mt. Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Fairview, Greenville, Hartsdale, and Mohegan Lake.

As a Member of the Appropriations Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee, Lowey has secured $700,000, including $500,000 in Fiscal Year 2003 and $200,000 in Fiscal Year 2005, to train and equip fire fighters to participate in the Westchester County Special Operations Task Force. 

The $200,000 Lowey secured in FY05 will be used to purchase rescue equipment for “trench collapses,” the type of rescue operation demonstrated at today’s training.  In such cases, rescuers must shore up unstable debris and collapsed structures to reach trapped victims.  The equipment used in today’s exercises belongs to the Yonkers Fire Department. 

Of the FY03 funding, $140,000 was used to hire instructors and train fire fighters. Hazardous materials equipment such as protective suits and instruments was purchased with the remaining $360,000.

“These fire fighters put their lives on the line to protect our communities.  We must make sure they have the equipment and training to meet the demands of protecting the public at a time when terrorists continue to threaten our nation. I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that first responders receive the support and funding to keep our communities safe and secure,” Lowey closed.