Town Board Seeks Input on Fire-Protection, EMS

As it moves ahead in its review of fire-protection and ambulance services, the Philipstown Town Board wants more input. In a statement issued Feb. 2, the five-member board asked citizens, firefighters, and EMS members to provide Ron Graner, the town’s emergency-services consultant, with their ideas and observations, which will be kept confidential.
       “This collaborative effort will provide the Town Board with a comprehensive overview of our Fire/EMS system as we work together to plan for the future of this vital service,” the board stated. “We encourage all residents of Philipstown to provide our consultant with any additional thoughts and comments that you may have about current and future fire rescue and EMS service. Please return your comments prior to Feb. 16, 2011, to Ron Graner” at his e-mail address: [email protected] The board asks that those sending e-mails to Graner identify the fire department or EMS agency they serve or are served by, to assist with tracking of issues. “All information and comments provided will be treated as confidential,” the board pledged. 
       The board members — Supervisor Richard Shea and Councilors Betty Budney, Nancy Montgomery, Barbara Scuccimarra, and John Van Tassel — said that their initiative, intended “to assess current fire rescue and emergency medical systems, continues to move forward. This research project is a great opportunity for leaders and volunteers of fire/EMS agencies, elected officials, and all residents to participate in the planning for the future of our most important services.”