LeRoy Pennysaver & News

LE ROY PENNYSAVER & NEWS - DECEMBER 22, 2019 OXBO International of Byron stepped up to help the town of Byron help others! The Byron Rescue Squad ambulance was showing its age. At 12 years old it was in dire need of some care. “Our rescue squad has many dedicated members; we have, in this time of closing ambulance services, expanded ours. Our team consists of some Advanced EMTs along with EMTs and regular firemen who happily pitch in when needed. Our team has dedicated over 1000-man hours of their personal time answering calls. Plus hundreds of hours in trainings to keep their skills current when every minute counts!” EMT, Captain Brad Nickerson says. Although the Byron Fire Department pays for the squad’s insurance, lodging and fuel which helps greatly; the squad runs on donations to keep up on education, supplies and maintenance. That maintenance is the costing the department more and more each year due to the aging of the ambulance. “Our annual fund drive covers the bills only, but saving to replace our rig with donations seems unreachable, so for now we are just trying to keep it going,” Nickerson said. This is where OXBO Byron’s local industry stepped in. The running boards on the rig were hanging on by a thread; they were unsafe. Also, the back bumpers were in rough shape, one was being held in place with a bungee cord. EMT Laura Platt thought she would ask her husband, Doug, who works at OXBO to ask his boss, Chris Chadborn, if OXBO could help. Chadborn did not hesitate; he said. “Bring it down!” Assistant Chief, John Durand and Platt drove the rig the couple miles to OXBO and a team immediately came out to access it. The team determined that they could make new running boards and steps using the old ones as patterns. Not wanting to keep the rig out of service, Steve Lockner, another Byron firefighter, along with Durand removed the parts and Platt’s husband took them to OXBO on his next work day. When Platt asked Chadborn about the cost of replacing those parts, he said, "One hand washes the other." “Our ambulance looked a little rough as we continued to answer calls while the parts were in the process of being replaced by OXBO,” said Platt. “But it wasn’t long before my husband, Doug, came home from work with the new shiny black running boards and bumpers.” Both Lockner and Durand installed the new parts immediately. “Our rig was safe once again, and how great it looks with the new parts made to perfection!” said Platt. She continued, “This Holiday Season the Byron Rescue Squad is very thankful to OXBO International for the gift of their expertise in metal works which has allowed us to continue helping our little community. Next year’s wish is to somehow secure funding to start the process of replacing our 12- year old ambulance. A new ambulance would cost $200,000 - $300,000, not including the equipment. A new ambulance would give our dedicated and willing volunteers even more ways to come to the aid of our community.” OXBO Rescues the Byron Rescue Squad Senator Ranzenhofer’s Monthly Column Looking forward to 2020 As 2019 winds down, it is time to look forward to 2020. The 2020 Legislative Session is set to begin the second week in January. Many new issues have developed during the last few months that will need to be addressed next session. Looking back on 2019, the Legislative Session brought tremendous change for NYS residents. With new leadership in the Senate, came the advancement of several new state laws which affect our community. With new challenges, my focus will remain the same: to work hard every day to represent the 61st Senate District, and ensure your voice, and those of all Western New Yorkers, are heard. While out in the community, one topic I frequently hear about is the criminal justice reform. One of the new laws included eliminating cash bail for those arrested for certain felonies and all misdemeanors. I have heard from numerous law enforcement officials and District Attorneys regarding their concerns for public safety. I share their concerns and I am hopeful that we can modify the law to correct this public safety concern. Another topic that is always brought up is the high costs of living in New York State. Whether retiring, raising a family or buying a home, the high cost of living in New York State needs to be addressed. This session, I am hopeful that we will be able to pass my bill, S.4458, which will increase the childcare and dependent care tax credit. This bill will increase the tax credit to reflect today’s cost of child and dependent care. The State is now facing a $6.1 billion budget deficit, Democratic leadership in the Senate and Assembly have signaled new and increased taxes to close this huge deficit. Hard working taxpayers of Western New York cannot afford more taxes to close this deficit. Costs and spending must be cut. Overall, I am still hopeful that the 2020 Legislative Session will improve the lives of all New Yorkers and work to correct some current issues facing the State. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday season, and I wish you a happy and healthy New Year! Formore information onmy bill and to stay up to date, please visit my website at https://www. nysenate.gov/senators/michael- h-ranzenhofer.