| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bedford Hills Fire District Awarded $125,000 New York State Grant for New Utility Terrain Vehicle
Bedford Hills, NY - June 29, 2026 - The Bedford Hills Fire District is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $125,000 New York State grant through the efforts of New York State Assemblymember Chris Burdick. The funding supported the purchase of a new Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) that will enhance the District's emergency response capabilities.
The new UTV will provide firefighters and emergency personnel with improved access to areas that are difficult to reach with traditional apparatus, including trails, wooded areas, and other off-road locations. The vehicle will be utilized for fire suppression, emergency medical incidents, search and rescue operations, and other specialized responses throughout the community.
"This equipment will significantly enhance our ability to serve and protect the residents of the Bedford Hills Fire District," said Commissioner Joseph J. Lombardo.
"The versatility and mobility of the UTV will allow our members to respond more effectively in challenging environments and during critical incidents," said Chief of Department Zachary S. Patierno. "This vehicle will be a valuable asset for fire suppression, EMS incidents, search and rescue operations, and responses in areas inaccessible to traditional apparatus."
The Bedford Hills Fire District extends its sincere appreciation to New York State Assemblymember Chris Burdick for his continued support of the fire service and for securing this important funding on behalf of the Fire District.
"This grant investment demonstrates Assemblyman Burdick's commitment to public safety and the volunteer fire service," Commissioner Joseph J. Lombardo added. "We are grateful for his tireless advocacy and support of the Bedford Hills Fire District and the residents we proudly serve."
As part of the grant funding, the new UTV has been outfitted with reflective striping, emergency lighting, and communications equipment. Following the completion of personnel training, the unit was placed into service last month and has already responded to several emergency incidents.
Most recently, the UTV assisted with the removal of injured runners from the trails of the Pound Ridge Reservation during a race event, where Bedford Hills personnel provided mutual aid assistance to the Pound Ridge and South Salem Fire Departments. |
