Erie County Helps Out Downstate Neighbors With Manpower, Equipment

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by County EMS officials to send off six local swift water rescue teams to assist in downstate relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Five teams from Erie County and one from Chautauqua County will be deployed to Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

“Here in Erie County, we are used to helping each other out in times of crisis,” said Poloncarz. “While the brunt of the storm bypassed us, our neighbors and friends downstate were not so lucky. I salute these volunteers who are mobilizing to lend a hand, leaving their lives here behind for a few days to assist others in their moment of need. They are great models of what our community is all about.”

Erie County departments responding to the call came from Alden FD, Getzville FD, Williamsville FD, Vigilant FD, East Seneca FD, Winchester FD, Lake Erie Beach FD, Blasdell FD, and Hamburg FD.  These volunteers, along with their counterparts from Chautauqua County, will form the rescue teams working downstate.

The swift water rescue teams are specially equipped to work in the high-water areas left downstate in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Following a briefing on their deployment, the teams started out for their assignment. They will report to the Suffolk County Fire Academy to begin their 72-hour deployment at 8 pm tonight.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz & Deputy Fire Commissioner Jim  McCullough address volunteers prior to them leaving to assist downstate efforts