Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus announced that the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has awarded the County $149,980 through its Technical Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Grant Program.

In addition, the State awarded Orange County Fire Services $141,2000 through its Hazmat Regional Grant Program.

“These grants provide important funding that will greatly assist our emergency response capabilities in dealing with technical rescues and hazmat-related emergencies,” Neuhaus said. “It contributes much needed funding for training and equipment to make sure that our emergency responders have the best resources to 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 in and is available for mutual aid assistance to neighboring counties.

Highlights of Equipment specified in the USAR grant include:

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

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

Confined Space/Trench Rescue Equipment: Airbags and SCBA bottles for performing rescues in tight areas or collapsed trenches.

Specialized Training: Training for members on specialized incidents involving rescues from an elevated location as well as removing victims trapped in complex machinery.

Personal Protective Equipment: (gear) for team members.

“The Orange County Technical Rescue Team mission is to respond to some of the most complex rescue situations imaginable,” 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.”

The Hazardous Materials Regional Grant Program provides funding for much needed Hazardous Materials detection and mitigation equipment. Orange County is the lead agency for the regional program which is comprised of Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster Counties.