Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced he will be spending time with local volunteer firefighters this week. Earlier this morning at 10 a.m. the Assemblyman kicked off his Volunteer Fire House Tour at District 3 Fire Department, by meeting with several fire officials in the region.

“Throughout my district tour this year, I had the opportunity to see many of our fire departments in the North Country. This meeting will serve as a great opportunity to learn more about the work of our local departments that care for us in our time of need,” said Jones.

Scott Ewing, Chief of District 3 Fire Department in Plattsburgh reflected on the meeting and explained why it was beneficial for the Assemblyman to attend.

“This morning, the New York Association of Fire Chiefs, Clinton County Office of Emergency Services and members from the Canadian Fire Chiefs met at the South Plattsburgh Fire Station,” said Ewing. Fire departments in Clinton County have mutual aid agreements with both Canada and the State for Vermont. Having Assemblyman Jones in attendance gave him an opportunity to better understand how mutual aid works between departments and the challenges we all face.”

On Thursday, Oct. 26, Jones will tour several volunteer stations, and sit down with fire officials throughout the Plattsburgh area to discuss funding and grant opportunities at the state level.

“In general, fire services are primarily funded through property taxes,” said Tim Schwartz, Chief of South Plattsburgh Fire Department. “Any additional funding that can be provided through government assistance or grant funding can help with purchases and related costs that would otherwise have been paid for by raising local taxes. I applaud Assemblyman Jones for stopping by local fire departments to see what financial burdens fire departments face and to help find solutions to some of these issues.”

“We rely on the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters and emergency service workers to keep our communities safe,” said Jones. Fire Prevention Week in October, reminds us how fortunate we are to have the protection of these brave men and women. Therefore I feel it necessary to continue to highlight the work carried out by our local fire departments every day.”

For more information, contact Assemblyman Jones at 518-562-1986 or jonesb@nyassembly.gov.