In a significant boost to public safety, New York State Assemblyman Aron Wieder has successfully secured a $25,000 grant for the Village of New Square to acquire a state-of-the-art drone for its emergency services.
The drone will be operated by Ershte Hilf under the new Village Emergency Task Force.
The initiative stemmed from strong advocacy by Village Mayor Izzy Spitzer, who has long emphasized the need for advanced tools like a drone to improve response times, search and rescue operations, and overall preparedness in the close-knit community.
“The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority,” said Mayor Izzy Spitzer. “A drone will provide critical aerial support during emergencies, helping our emergency responders operate more effectively and protect lives.”
Moshe Kaff, Director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Office of Emergency Management, echoed these sentiments: “This drone will enable faster and more accurate assessments in challenging situations, from medical emergencies to potential hazards, ultimately enhancing the village’s ability to safeguard its families and ensure rapid, effective response when every second counts.”
Ershte Hilf Coordinator Zevi Spitzer highlighted the drone’s potential impact, stating that it will be a positive addition to the safety of the residents. He referenced the recent Bondi attack, noting that immediate deployment of a drone as the incident began to unfold could have provided vital real-time intelligence and potentially saved more lives. “This drone will be instrumental in those initial crucial minutes, allowing us to quickly assess and respond to any unfolding situation in the village,” he said.
Assemblyman Aron Wieder expressed great satisfaction in delivering this vital resource. “I am thrilled to have secured this $25,000 funding for the purchase of a drone,” Wieder stated. “It will strengthen emergency capabilities and contribute to the safety and wellbeing of residents throughout my district.”
The drone is expected to be integrated into operations soon, providing an invaluable asset for the village’s dedicated first responders under the new Village Emergency Task Force. This grant underscores Assemblyman Wieder’s commitment to supporting local infrastructure and public safety needs in the 97th Assembly District.
