Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced a significant investment for Station 3 in the city’s Mont Pleasant neighborhood with the Schenectady Fire Department and city officials on Tuesday afternoon.

Alongside Fire Chief Ray Senecal and Mayor Gary McCarthy, Assemblyman Santabarbara announced $129,000 in capital funding his office secured to allow the department to make substantial renovations to Station 3, located at 1200 3rd Avenue.

“In today’s world, unfortunately we are seeing more and more threats to public safety. Having the resources to respond can make a big difference in cities like Schenectady, and identifying and working to secure funding for our first responders must remain a top priority,” Santabarbara said. “Our city of Schenectady firefighters commit themselves each and every day to the safety of our loved ones, putting their own lives at risk to protect others. With this investment we are not only continuing the ongoing investment in our neighborhoods, but also committing support to our firefighters with the resources to keep doing what they do best – keep our families safe.”

Station 3 was built 78 years ago and since then, the building has aged, the firefighting profession has evolved, and so have the standards in place to protect firefighters while they protect the city’s residents — leaving Station 3 with significant needs.

With this funding, the fire department will install several safety measures that are needed, isolate protective turnout gear area and make station operations more efficient. The funding will also provide for the construction of separate accommodations, sleeping areas and bathrooms for a growing number of female firefighters and bring the department into compliance with current regulations.

“The Schenectady City Fire Department appreciates Assemblyman Santabarbara’s continued efforts in helping to make upgrades to our Fire Station #3 in the Mont Pleasant District of our city,” Schenectady Fire Chief Ray Senecal said. “These upgrades will not only make for a safer, more efficient work environment for our firefighters, but will also continue to help us provide superior fire protection and paramedic service to our citizens.”

Santabarbara added, “I grew up in Mont Pleasant, and this station and its dedicated firefighters have always been here for this neighborhood. Our firefighters that serve here rely on this station to keep this community safe – it’s their home and that’s worth investing in. With this investment, not only are we rebuilding a historical fire station, we are ensuring that Station 3 is operational and can continue to serve the public safety needs of our community for years to come.”

The funding was identified and secured by the office of Assemblyman Santabarbara through the New York State and Municipal Facilities Program.