COMPTROLLER, FIRE CHIEF INSPECT CLOSED COUNTY ROAD THAT CREATED HARDSHIP FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Emergency responders delayed many minutes by the closure of a crumbling county road 

Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw Jr. met with Morton's Corners Fire Company Chief Steve Bugary to examine crumbling county roads in his fire district.  The dilapidated county roadways the Comptroller and Fire Chief inspected were Trevett Road, Zoar Valley Road and Groth Road in the Town of Concord.  Chief Bugary spoke about the hardship the fire company faces when Erie County shut down Trevett Road.  The closure forced emergency responders to use an alternative route, which they say will increase response times for emergency personnel. 

“This is embarrassing for the county and frightening for homeowners. The closed road, due to neglect, delays an emergency response by many minutes.  Seconds can mean the difference between life and death for someone whose life depends on a quick response by firefighters and EMS.  I hope and pray it won’t be someone’s serious injury or death that will finally force Erie County to fix its dilapidated infrastructure.  Can you imagine the horror of calling 9-1-1 for an emergency, only to be told it’s going to take many more minutes for firefighters to get there because of crumbling roads?” said Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw. 

Comptroller Mychajliw shared his concerns in a letter to Erie County Department of Public Works Commissioner William Geary.  Copies of that correspondence were shared with Erie County Legislator John J. Mills and Chief Bugary.  That letter emphasized the importance of emergency vehicles being able to drive on safe county roads to allow for the quickest route to an emergency. 

“I’m concerned for my crew and the people we are called to help. We can’t have emergency vehicles traveling on unsafe roadways and risk not being able to make it to a scene. I want to thank Comptroller Mychajliw for touring the roadway with me and advocating for repairs. I hope we get answers soon. We need to fix this,” said Chief Bugary. 

“I couldn’t believe how bad Trevett Road was when I toured the site. You can’t even call what’s left a road.  This is unacceptable.  Roads in ‘Third World Countries’ are in better shape. Horrible conditions of county roads are the single largest complaint from taxpayers. Families, businesses and emergency responders deserve better,” concluded Comptroller Mychajliw.

For a PDF of the press release, please CLICK HERE.

To view additional photos of Trevett Road, please CLICK HERE.

For a PDF of the letter to the Commissioner of DPW, please CLICK HERE.