Ten First Responder Agencies Participating
First responders from 10 agencies within Schenectady County will participate in water rescue training exercises along the Mohawk River starting at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Saturday at Gateway Landing Park near SUNY Schenectady.
Schenectady County received a Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant in 2020 to fund planning, training, and exercise activities related to pandemic preparedness during a catastrophic event. Since last fall emergency management and first responder personnel have also participated in various simulated exercises and training classes to prepare to increase overall community preparedness.
“Thank you to our first responder agencies for coming together to train and increase our community’s emergency preparedness,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Your dedication to working as a team and developing coordinated response plans is essential to keeping our community safe during times of crisis.”
“Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death when an emergency strikes,” said Schenectady County Legislator Tom Constantine, Chair of the Public Safety & Firefighting Committee. “Our first responders and emergency management staff have participated in various exercises and training classes over the last six months to increase overall readiness. By working together and utilizing realistic training scenarios our departments can better prepare for the challenges they may face during an actual emergency.”
Participating Agencies:
Niskayuna Fire District No. 2
Schonowe Volunteer Fire Department
Scotia Fire Department
Beukendaal Fire Department
Niskayuna Fire District No. 1
Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory Fire Department
Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office
Rotterdam Junction Volunteer Fire Department
Alplaus Fire Department
City of Schenectady Fire Department
Shelter Exercise
Schenectady County Public Health Services (SCPHS), the American Red Cross, and Schenectady County Emergency Management Office participated in a shelter exercise last month at Schenectady High School. They set up and ran a simulated shelter for residents evacuated due to flooding during pandemic-like circumstances. SCPHS’ Medical Reserve Corps volunteers were activated to help run the shelter and also participate as residents displaced during flood conditions.
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