Erie County Legislator Mike Ranzenhofer presents a check for $4,000 in county funding to members of the Hy-View Fire Company. The money will be used for new hi-band radio communication equipment. Pictured (L to R) are: Commissioners Bob Schmitt, Mark Schmidt, and Art Blachowski; Secretary Commissioner Alan Blachowski; firefighter Nick Schmidt; Commissioner Mike Maccarone and Legislator Ranzenhofer.

Erie County Legislator Michael H. Ranzenhofer announced recently that he has secured $4,000 in county funding for Hy-View Fire Company in Cheektowaga. The funds are being used to purchase Hi-Band radio equipment for the company.

"We live in a new world, where public safety has become an important focus in our everyday lives," said Ranzenhofer. "We now know that for our emergency, fire and police services to operate with the greatest efficiency, technology must allow them to communicate seamlessly with each other. This funding will ensure that in an emergency, Hy-View Fire Company will be able to talk to other companies, and any other emergency services involved."

Ranzenhofer pointed out that investigations have shown a deficiency in communication among emergency service personnel during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

"Since 9/11, there has been a push, especially here in Western New York, to improve public safety by investing in up-to-date technology that will allow optimal communication capabilities," added Ranzenhofer. "In order to best protect our residents, it is important that we give our emergency service personnel the best tools with which to work."

For further information, contact Legislator Ranzenhofer's District Office at 631-8695.