New Gear For Newburgh’s Firemen

(Newburgh) - Christmas came a little early this year for the City of Newburgh Fire Department. At a press conference on Thursday October 19, 2006 at the City of Newburgh Fire Department, it was announced that Newburgh Firefighters Local #589 received almost $90,000 in funds for the purchase of structural firefighting gear.

City of Newburgh Firefighters will be well “turned-out” thanks to a cooperative effort between Senator William Larkin, Assemblyman Thomas Kirwan, Mount Saint Mary College President Sr. Ann Sakac, and the MSMC Student Government.

The union used the funds to buy equipment, which was then donated to the City of Newburgh Fire Department. It included: Turnout pants, coats and gloves - ($75,000 member item from Senator Larkin), Structural firefighting boots - ($11,500 secured by Assemblyman Thomas Kirwan); and also for boots: $2,900 from Mount Saint Mary College Administration and Student Government.
“Through cooperation with the Fire Department and the union, extensive research was done to get the best gear for our department,” said Newburgh Fire Department Chief James Merritt. “Many different brands of gear were compared through many tests, which included fit, durability, comfort, and three very important factors, weight and water repellency and drying time. Also included in the new turnout gear is a built in rescue harness which puts us ahead of the upcoming OSHA regulation. This harness will vastly improve the safety of our firefighters.”

Local #589 President Sammy Contes noted, “We especially want to thank Senator Larkin and Assemblyman Kirwan for all they do to benefit the City of Newburgh Fire Department, and to express our appreciation to Sr. Ann Sakac and the students of Mount Saint Mary College for joining them in this effort. The people of the City of Newburgh owe them all a debt of gratitude.”
Mayor Nick Valentine commented, “This unique cooperative effort between Senator Larkin, Assemblyman Kirwan, and Mount Saint Mary College has helped ensure our firefighters will be safe while doing what they do best - protecting the lives and property of our residents.”

City Manager Jean-Ann McGrane added, “We are very grateful for our elected officials’ constant support, and for community partners like Sr. Ann Sakac, and other administrators and students of Mount Saint Mary College.” Pictured Above: Local #589 President Sammy Contes, Newburgh Fire Department Deputy Chief Glenn Burrs, Mayor Nick Valentine, Councilwoman Regina Angelo, James Raimo of Mt St Mary College, Councilman George Bowles and Senator William Larkin.