Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) announced a significant investment in local emergency services on Saturday, Aug. 3. The Waddington Fire Department has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM). This funding will be dedicated to establishing a water rescue and dive team for the department, enhancing safety and emergency response in the Waddington section of the St. Lawrence River and beyond.

The press conference, held at the Waddington Fire Department, was attended by key community leaders including the mayor of the Village of Waddington, the town supervisor of the Town of Waddington, the Waddington Fire Department fire chief and other department representatives.

Gray emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The St. Lawrence River is a vital natural resource for our community, offering both recreational opportunities and economic benefits. Ensuring the safety of residents and visitors who enjoy this beautiful area is a top priority. This grant will provide the Waddington Fire Department with the necessary resources to respond swiftly and effectively to water emergencies, ultimately saving lives.”

The $75,000 SAM grant will be utilized to acquire specialized dive and water rescue equipment. The new dive team will be equipped to handle a variety of water-related emergencies, including swift water rescues, underwater recovery and other critical incidents.

Waddington Mayor Mike Zagrobelny expressed gratitude for the funding, saying, “The Village of Waddington is grateful to Assemblyman Gray and New York state for the funding to establish a dive team within the Waddington Volunteer Fire Department. Waddington’s location on the St. Lawrence is a haven for water recreation all four seasons of the year. From farm ponds to brooks and rivers, the dive team will enhance public safety and service not only in Waddington but also in St. Lawrence County. The village is especially grateful to the members of the Waddington Volunteer Fire Department who will take on one more task to help make our community safer.”

Waddington Fire Department Fire Chief Kevin Sharlow added, “We are incredibly grateful to Assemblyman Scott Gray for his generous grant of $75,000. This funding will enable the Waddington Volunteer Fire Department to acquire essential dive gear, significantly enhancing our ability to respond to water emergencies and ensuring the safety of our community. Assemblyman Gray’s commitment to public safety and support for our volunteers is deeply appreciated.”

Town supervisor Travis McKnight said, “A major thank you to Assembly member Gray for the SAM grant, to help establish our rescue dive team. This will be a great addition to the Waddington area and to St. Lawrence County. This will help improve safety all along the St. Lawrence River.”

For more information on the SAM grant and the Waddington Fire Department’s new water rescue and dive team, please contact the Office of Assemblyman Scott Gray at 315-786-0284 or email grays@nyassembly.gov.