Brewster-Southeast Fire District Asking Voters For $1.97M In Equipment

SOUTHEAST, NY — Residents of the Joint Brewster-Southeast Fire District will go to the polls Dec. 13 to weigh in on proposals to spend $1.97 million for new equipment and choose a commissioner.

The money would go to buy a new fire truck; a new ambulance; and new radios, thermal-imaging cameras and other technology upgrades.

The current commissioners are: John Klosowski, chairman; A. Gerald Schramek, co-chairman; Kenneth Clair, Jr.; Martin P. Miller; and George Durmer.

Schramek is running for re-election, challenged by David Beshears Jr. The winner will serve a 5-year term.

All residents of the Fire District registered with the Putnam County Board of Elections as of Nov. 21 are eligible to vote. The polls will be open from 3-9 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Charles Doyle Substation, Route 311 and North Brewster Road. For more information, call the Fire District Secretary during business hours at 845-279-9229.

The wording of the bond resolutions adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Brewster-Southeast Joint Fire District Nov. 11:

• Authorizing the acquisition of a fire truck, including apparatus and equipment used in connection therewith, to be used by the Fire District; stating the estimated maximum cost thereof is $1,000,000, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof; appropriating said amount therefor; authorizing the issuance of bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $1,000,000 to finance said appropriation; and providing for the levy and collection of taxes to pay the principal of said bonds and the interest thereon as the same become due and payable
• Authorizing the acquisition of an ambulance, including apparatus and equipment used in connection therewith, to be used by the Fire District; stating the estimated maximum cost thereof is $300,000, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof; appropriating said amount therefor; authorizing the issuance of bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $300,000 to finance said appropriation; and providing for the levy and collection of taxes to pay the principal of said bonds and the interest thereon as the same become due and payable
• Authorizing the acquisition of radios compatible with Putnam County 911 System, thermal image cameras and other technological upgrades, for use by the Fire District; stating the estimated maximum cost thereof is $665,000, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof; appropriating said amount therefor; authorizing the issuance of bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $665,000 to finance said appropriation; and providing for the levy and collection of taxes to pay the principal of said bonds and the interest thereon as the same become due and payable.

The Brewster Fire Department, which is all volunteer, always welcomes new members, and is especially seeking those with time on weekdays. Benefits include: free firefighter and/or EMS training, including CPR; paid life insurance and a pension program; property tax credit or a state income tax credit; holiday and family activities; and department-issued equipment.