Legislator Chase Secures Grant for Generators

MidTown – Town of Evans NY – February 6, 2004 --- In an effort to provide better protection for firefighters, Erie County Legislator Jeanne Z. Chase has secured emergency power generators for use in the Town of Evans.

Traditionally, volunteer firefighters and fire police are used to control traffic during a power failure or a signal malfunction.

"Performing fire police duties is not only one of the most frequent jobs we do, but also one of the most dangerous services we provide," says Chief Bruce Green Jr.

The generators will be used to power traffic signals in the town, allowing firefighters to stay off the highway at major intersections. Traffic signals managed by Evans Center include Lake St., Beach Road and Bennett Road as they intersect with Route 5 (Erie Road); Beach Road and North Main St.; and also the intersection of Route 20 (Southwestern Boulevard) and Eden-Evans Center Road.

The signal lights at these intersections have already been retrofitted with quick-connects to the fire company generators.

Each year, dozens of firefighters are injured or killed in the line of duty will providing traffic control according to ResponderSafety.com.

"Thanks to the foresight and generosity of Legislator Chase, firefighters will no longer be put at risk managing these high-traffic intersections," Green adds.

Chase gave the fire companies with their generators during a presentation at the Town of Evans Municipal Center. She was joined by Town of Evans Councilwoman Kathy Bartus and retired councilman Giff Swyers.

Receiving the generators on behalf of the fire company were Asst. Chief Tim Szczepaniak and Fire Lieutenant Michael Relosky.

Lt. Relosky, Legislator Chase
and Asst. Chief Szczepaniak

   
Szczepaniak, Town of Evans Coucilwoman Kathy Bartus,
Angola Chief Todd Dybdal, Chase, Highland Chief Bob Trask,
Retired Councilman Giff Swyers, North Evans District Chief Nick Mecca,
Relosky and Lake Erie Beach Chief Bill Hamm