South Salem FD Shows Off New Command Vehicle To VIPs

SOUTH SALEM, NY — When lawmakers respond to constituents' needs, they don't always have the chance to see how the work they do in Albany affects those back home, but New York State Senator Pete Harckham recently had the chance to see the fruits of his labor firsthand.

Harckham visited the South Salem Fire Department to inspect its new command vehicle. The 2023 Chevy Tahoe was purchased with a $50,000 Senate grant that the lawmaker helped secure for the department.

"As our villages and towns grow, so do the needs of our first responders and firefighting professionals who are responsible for the safeguarding of our residents and businesses," Harckham said. "The South Salem Fire Department is one of the busiest in northern Westchester, and so I was pleased to be able to help them attain funding for the new command vehicle, which will ease the burden on the local taxpayers as well."

The South Salem Fire Department responds to an average of 300 calls per year, according to Chief Nick DeLaurentis. The size and nature of calls change significantly depending on the time of year. As a result, he said, it is essential for command personnel to arrive at the scene first to determine the proper response for each call.

"The command vehicles are vital to every emergency the department faces," South Salem Fire Department Commissioner Mike Lombardi explained. "The quick response of chiefs and assistant chiefs is extremely important. In the event of an accident, our command personnel will assist. In the event of a major fire or incident, they will call for additional resources and direct operations. If the event is small, it’s equally important to hold resources."

DeLaurentis said that Harkam's assistance has been essential in this regard.

"Thank you, Senator Harkham, for your continued support of the South Salem Fire Department and District," DeLaurentis said. "The grant money you provided helps us to better serve the community.”

The awarded grant funding was secured within the State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM), which is among the grant programs administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) to support community and economic development. Senator Harckham has secured more than $2 million in state funding to make critical vehicle and equipment acquisitions in support of firefighters and first responders since taking office in 2019, according to his office.