Tribe Supports Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department
May 20, 2013
Fire Department to Use Funding to Continue Operations
On Monday May 20, 2013 the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council presented a check for $179,700 to members of the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department (HAVFD). This financial support will go for the operations of the fire department. “Our fire department is one of the most important components of our community,” said Chief Randy Hart. “They’ve been in business for 59 years and it’s really impossible to say how many lives they have saved.”
The fire department operates out of three fire stations and has 16 pieces of equipment including ladder trucks, pumpers, pick-up trucks and rescue boats. “We’re lucky to have such a dedicated group of volunteers,” noted Chief Ron LaFrance. “Not only do they protect the Akwesasne community from fire, they have mutual aid agreements with other local fire departments to help each other in case of an emergency that’s too big for one department.” The HAVFD has 62 volunteer firemen on its roster. The department dispatched a crew to assist in managing the disaster caused by super-storm Sandy in late October 2012.
“We’re very appreciative of the support that the tribe has provided us and not just for this year,” commented Derek Comins, Fire Chief. “Tribal council has been very generous over the years in their support for the fire department.” Over the past eight years the tribe has donated over $ 1 million to the fire department.
“Our fire department does much more than put out fires,” said Chief Paul Thompson. “They assist with rescue operations and educate the public on fire prevention. These volunteer firemen deserve both our respect and assistance in whatever way we can provide.”
For more information contact the Public Information Office at 518-358-2272.
Download pdf version