HAMMOND -- In an effort to enhance public safety in St. Lawrence County, State Senator Patty Ritchie recently helped secure a $50,000 grant for the Hammond Fire and Rescue Department to purchase a new brush truck that will allow the department to carry more equipment and emergency personnel to crashes, fires and training events.

“Small town fire departments in rural areas need these types of trucks to save property and lives,” said Ritchie. “I am pleased to be able to help Hammond’s Fire and Rescue respond to emergency situations in a manner that allows them to do the best job possible as safely as they can.”

The Hammond Fire Department recently purchased the six-passenger truck and immediately put it into action as crews fought a large grass fire near the village.

“The truck works awesome because it saves our staff a lot of time and effort when it responds to situations,” said Hammond Fire and Rescue Chief Jonathan Bass. “We appreciate Senator Ritchie getting the funds which paid for the entire truck.”

“This multi-purpose truck is beneficial to our fire department because it holds a lot of people and equipment to go to trainings, fight fires and assist at crash sites,” said Hammond Village Mayor Shelly Youngs. “We are grateful that Senator Ritchie was able to help us get funding for this purchase since we are a small town and can’t afford large purchases like this one.”