Orange County awarded $149,928 State Homeland Security grant

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has awarded the Orange County $149,928 through its Technical Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue Grant Program.

“The Orange County Technical Rescue Team’s mission is to respond to some of the most complex rescue situations imaginable,” Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said in the press release announcing the funding. “This grant contributes much needed funding for training and equipment to ensure that our emergency responders have the best resources available to help save lives."

Equipment funded through the grant will be utilized by the Orange County Technical Rescue Team, which is comprised of approximately 100 career and volunteer firefighters from departments throughout the county. The unit responds to structural collapse, confined space, trench rescue and high angle rope rescue incidents and is available for mutual aid assistance to neighboring counties.

This grant is the first joint grant effort between Orange and Sullivan counties. Equipment will be kept regionally in locations in both counties, including the Orange County Fire Training Center and participating departments. Highlights of equipment specified in the USAR grant include:

· Collapse Rescue Equipment: Shoring, cutting and disentanglement equipment/tools that would be used in structural collapse (building) type incidents.

· Rope Rescue Equipment: Various ropes, harnesses and gear utilized for high-angle rope rescues.

· Personal Protective Equipment (gear) for team members.

“This funding will greatly assist our emergency response capabilities in dealing with technical rescues,” said Vini Tankasali, the County’s Deputy Commissioner of Fire Services. “It is critical for the team to be outfitted with the proper specialized equipment and gear. This grant will help us accomplish that.”