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December 24, 2007
Saratoga Springs, NY - Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand announced that local law enforcement and first responders were awarded $128,756 from the Department of Homeland Security as part of the 2007 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) awards.
These funds are used for the purchase of important equipment used for safety and security. Six agencies that serve the 20th District were awarded grants including; Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, the Melrose Fire District in Rensselaer County, Otsego County Office of Emergency Service, Otsego County Sheriff's Office, Saratoga Springs Police Department, and the Stillwater Fire Department in Saratoga County.
"I am thrilled to announce this very important funding," said Congresswoman Gillibrand, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee. "These grants will help purchase critical equipment to protecting our families and responding to emergencies."
Assistant Chief Christopher J. Cole of there Saratoga Springs Police Department said, "The Saratoga Springs Police Department is very pleased to have been awarded this grant. As a nationally renowned tourist destination, our city plays hosts to thousands of visitors each year and equipment such as the Wolf Pack Remote Viewing System will help our department continue its efforts to provide and maintain the safe and secure environment that our citizens and visitors deserve and come to expect".
Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus said, "This grant will provide our Haz-Mat team with state-of-the-art handheld chemical agent detector equipment, allowing them to quickly and accurately identify solids and liquids such as chemical agents, toxic chemicals, white powders, narcotics, contraband and forensics."
Earlier this week the Congresswoman voted for $25 million dollars to fund the CEDAP awards for 2008 as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
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