Peekskill Seeks Mask Donations for Emergency Service Workers

The City of Peekskill’s emergency service workers are in need of masks (N95 and surgical), gloves (nitrile, or non-latex), disposable medical gowns, goggles and hand sanitizer. The City’s Police Department, Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Corps are asking for protective equipment donations from any organizations with surplus supplies to aid those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies with a manufacturing site on Lower South Street in Peekskill, recently donated hundreds of masks and gloves to help keep local first responders safe.

“Firefighters are in dire need of masks, which are worn daily in the firehouse and on every fire call,” said Gary Horne, President of the Peekskill Professional Firefighters Local 2343. “As always, the community’s support is greatly appreciated. We are deeply grateful to BASF for their generous donation.”

The City of Peekskill is hoping others with these resources may be able to follow suit.

“We have taken steps to be protective of our employees and contractors at the Peekskill site and we are pleased to also provide our local community much needed personal protective equipment during these challenging times,” said Gary Hutchison, site director at the BASF Peekskill site.

While essential to shield emergency service workers, the CDC does not recommend that people who are healthy wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. The website notes, “A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings.”

“The ambulance corps has almost run out of N95 masks and is all out of gowns and goggles,” said Steve Sniffen, Chief of the Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corps. “All vendors that we deal with have been out of stock. Donations are greatly appreciated!”

For any businesses able to help, please contact the Peekskill Central Fire Station at 914-737-2760.

The City of Peekskill is located at 840 Main Street in Peekskill, N.Y., and can be reached at 914-737-3400 or by visiting www.cityofpeekskill.com.

About the City of Peekskill

The City of Peekskill is a thriving, historic community located on the banks of the Hudson River. Just under one hour north of New York City, Peekskill is culturally and economically vibrant with abundant natural resources due to its location on the river and at the gateway to the Hudson Highlands. The waterfront, with over three miles of continuous parkland, is a regional destination with a variety of active and passive recreation, as well as breathtaking views of the Hudson River. While Peekskill’s waterfront parks, walking trails and dog park remain open during the coronavirus pandemic, guidelines for social distancing are enforced. The downtown area features an array of dining establishments currently offering take out, curbside pickup or delivery. The City recently passed a local ordinance allowing for free 15 minute parking in front of restaurants exclusively for the pick up of food and beverages. Home to a growing arts community, Peekskill is also a hub for new-generation technology and multimedia. For more information, visit www.cityofpeekskill.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 18,800 employees in North America and had sales of $18.4 billion in 2019. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.