East Hudson Valley News

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has revealed the recipients of the new Fly Car Grant Awards, aimed at enhancing emergency medical services. The grants provide funding for life-saving equipment to various fire departments, rescue squads, and ambulance corps for their 'fly car' vehicles.

The organizations benefiting from this initiative include:

- Arlington Fire District: $20,000 for a LUCAS 3.1 Chest Compression System by Physio-Control.

- Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp: $15,688 for a Lifeline ARM Chest Compression System.

- Beekman Fire District: $20,000 for a Stryker LUCAS device.

- Fairview Fire District: $19,980 to improve critical response efficiency.

- Hughsonville Fire Department: $20,000 to enhance basic life support capabilities.

- Hyde Park Fire Department: $12,000 to replace defibrillators and other equipment.

- J. H. Ketcham Hose Co., Inc.: $7,172 for automated external defibrillators and Trauma/O2 Backpacks.

- LaGrange Fire District: $5,700 for an automated external defibrillator.

- New Hamburg Fire District: $19,981 for an automatic chest compression device.

- Union Vale Fire Department: $20,000 to restructure rescue squad response resources.

As part of this program, fly cars will carry unified recruitment messages promoting career and volunteer opportunities in EMS. This initiative is a segment of Dutchess County's broader strategy to tackle the EMS crisis through innovative programs and partnerships.

Serino previously introduced a significant investment of $2 million in EMS as part of her 2025 Executive Budget Proposal. This proposal includes supplemental ambulance coverage and workforce development initiatives alongside a public education campaign. The Dutchess County Legislature will vote on the 2025 Budget during their Board Meeting on December 9th, with the full budget process expected to conclude by December 18th following the adoption of the tax levy.