WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced $22,368 in federal funding for the Chatham Fire Department in Columbia County. This funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Specifically, this funding will be used to purchase a new extrication tool set, including cutters that help first responders quickly remove victims from enclosed spaces quickly. This system will help them replace their current 30-year-old equipment.

“It is critical that we provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively. Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense—it is crucial to provide them with these cutting-edge tools they need so they can continue their important work of saving lives,” Senator Schumer said in a press release.

The fire department’s extraction equipment get a lot of use. The Chatham Fire Department is responsible for several thoroughfares, including the Taconic Parkway and several other highways where many accidents take place. The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department’s United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be found at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/

Back to school means sharing the road

GREENPORT—As kids head back to school, Sheriff David P. Bartlett reminds parents, commuters, kids and teens to make safety a priority and provides the following safety tips to review and share.

Know New York’s School Bus Law:

*It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when the large red lights are flashing, even on divided and multilane highways and on school grounds

*Drivers must stop whether they are approaching the school bus from the front or overtaking it from the rear.

Drive Safely:

*Obey signs, signals, and crossing guards in school zones

*Slow down, especially around bus stops, and in school zones, and during, before and after school hours

*Stay alert behind the wheel. Avoid use of electronic devices and other distracting behaviors while driving

*Look for and expect to see pedestrians and bicyclists, especially before and after school.

Remind walkers to:

*Walk on the sidewalk if one is available; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic

*Pay attention when walking. Avoid texting, talking on the phone, and using headphones

*Look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street. Never cross the street while using an electronic device

*Cross only at crosswalks.

At the bus stop, remind children to:

*Stay three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb when waiting for the bus; and wait until the driver says to board

*Quickly board the school bus, find a seat, sit facing the front, and follow direction of the school bus driver

*Getting off the bus, wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to cross. Then cross at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the front of the bus. Look left, right, and then left again for traffic.