North Country Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, secured the undisclosed amount of funding that will help support fire departments in Ogdensburg, Rensselaer Falls, Heuvelton and Morley.

“Volunteers are absolutely critical to the fire and emergency safety of our community and our residents,” Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Travis Wood said. “To receive this funding from Senator Ritchie is special because it means the people who are willing to answer the calls in our community, are going to have the best equipment to both fight fires and protect themselves while on that call.”

The departments will use funds to purchase turnout gear, thermal imaging cameras, communication systems and other equipment vital to improving firefighter safety and efficiency, a release from Ritchie’s office said.

“Every time a call comes in, our firefighters are putting their lives at risk when they respond—and the importance of their efforts to protecting our communities cannot be overstated,” said Ritchie. “This funding will allow departments to purchase the equipment needed to respond to all types of emergencies safely and efficiently. I am proud to support our area’s firefighters and thank them for the work they do to protect all of us here in Central and Northern New York.”