SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $12 MILLION IN FEMA FUNDING TO HIRE NEW FIREFIGHTERS IN FIRE DEPARTMENTS ACROSS UPSTATE NEW YORK

 

Senators Say Upstate Firefighters Have Worked Tirelessly Throughout The COVID-19 Pandemic, Now Face Staffing And Budget Issues

Schumer, Gillibrand: Federal Funding Will Help Bolster Upstate Fire Departments

 U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $12,316,450 in federal funding for five fire departments across Upstate New York to hire new firefighters. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program.

“Our brave firefighters worked around the clock during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to risk their lives to protect our communities,” said Senator Schumer. “These courageous first responders deserve all the federal support possible to help them do their jobs. I will always fight to bring more federal resources to support our brave firefighters, and I’m proud to deliver this funding so Upstate Fire Departments can hire new desperately needed firefighters without bearing the financial stress.”

“Firefighters across New York State have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to protect our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will continue fighting for funding to ensure that our fire departments have what they need to remain adequately staffed, respond quickly to emergencies, and stay safe on the front lines.”

Specifically, the senators said the City of Albany, City of Auburn, Village of Johnson City, Town of Lagrange, and the City of Syracuse will receive the FEMA funding for hiring firefighters.

The SAFER grant program was established by FEMA within DHS to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

A breakdown of the funding appears below:

Location	Organization	Amount
Albany   Auburn   Johnson City   Poughkeepsie   Syracuse	City of Albany   City of Auburn   Village of Johnson City   Town of Lagrange   City of Syracuse	$3,328,488   $1,266,480   $923,214   $3,561,143   $3,237,125

Governor Hochul Announces New Yorkers and Visitors Can Fish for Free on Saturday, Sept. 25

 

Anglers of All Abilities Encouraged to Cast a Line, Experience Benefits of Fishing on Annual Free Fishing Day

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York's fifth Free Fishing Day of the year is on Saturday, Sept. 25, coinciding with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is celebrated annually to promote outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and target shooting. New York provides anglers with six Free Fishing Days each year.  

"I encourage new and experienced anglers alike to take advantage of the upcoming Free Fishing Day, which gives everyone the chance to try the sport at no cost and introduce family and friends to a new hobby," Governor Hochul said. "Getting outside to cast a line is a perfect way to experience the outdoors and recharge at one of New York's many world-class fishing destinations. Fishing in New York State provides both recreational enjoyment and serves as a vital economic generator, supporting local economies statewide."

The sixth, and final, Free Fishing Day in 2021 is on Veterans Day, Nov 11. On Free Fishing Days, New York residents and non-residents may fish for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "Fishing is a fun activity that can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family. From catching bass at a local pond, to seeking out brook trout on a secluded stream and everything in between, aspiring anglers have plenty of opportunities to choose from and Free Fishing Day is the perfect time to test your skills."

DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying catch and understanding fishing regulations.

When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anglers 16 years of age and older must have a current New York State fishing license to fish. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a fishing license can be found on DEC's website.

Affordable Housing Units Still Available In 1492 Bryant Avenue In Crotona Park East, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1492 Bryant Avenue, a four-story residential building in Crotona Park East, The Bronx. Designed by Node Architecture Engineering Consulting PC and developed by Eduard Haxhari under the 1492 Bryant Avenue LLC, the structure yields 11 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are four units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $44,572 to $139,620.

Residents will have access to a landscaped outdoor space and bike storage lockers. Units include name-brand appliances and finishes, air conditioning, and hardwood floors.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are two studios with a monthly rent of $1,300 for incomes ranging from $44,572 to $124,150; and two one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,475 for incomes ranging from $50,572 to $139,620.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than October 7, 2021.

Assemblymember Nathalia Fernandez - Updated Office Hours

 

Greetings,

Our office is happy to announce our Updated Office Hours.

Beginning Monday, September 20th, we will be open between the hours of 9am - 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays - By Appointment Only.

We are happy to receive any calls or emails from constituents who would like to schedule an appointment.

Best Regards,

New York State Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez

Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation Into Civilian Death in Rochester

 

 The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Dedrick James, who died on September 15, 2021, following an encounter with law enforcement in Rochester.

New York State Executive Law Section 70-b mandated the establishment of OSI within the Office of the New York State Attorney General, effective April 1, 2021. This law represents the codification and expansion of the role previously performed by the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit (SIPU) since Executive Order 147 became effective in July 2015.

On the morning of September 15, 2021, members of the Multi-Agency Fugitive Task Force, including the Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and United States Marshals Service, responded to 6 Vinewood Place in the city of Rochester to serve an arrest warrant for Dedrick James. Another individual answered the door, and after law enforcement entered the home, Mr. James allegedly fled to a bathroom. Once officers entered the bathroom, Mr. James allegedly displayed a firearm, and a brief struggle ensued while officers attempted to disarm him. During that encounter, the firearm allegedly in Mr. James’ possession discharged and one bullet entered his chest. Mr. James died as a result of that single gunshot wound. 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

 

58,712 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours 

27 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"We are continuing to partner with localities and health providers to make sure the vaccine is accessible in every part of the state," Governor Hochul said. "We know the vaccine works, and we know that by not taking it you are many times more vulnerable to the most severe symptoms of COVID-19. If you still need to get your shot, you need to do so for your safety and the safety of everyone around you."   

 

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 197,275
• Total Positive - 5,368
• Percent Positive - 2.72%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.07%
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,382 (-13)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 322
• Patients in ICU - 557 (-10)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 312 (-2)
• Total Discharges - 197,629 (+303)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 27
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 44,133

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 56,184

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

• Total vaccine doses administered - 24,621,870
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 58,712
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 366,081
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 79.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 72.1%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 82.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 73.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 67.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 60.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 69.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 62.3% 

Brooklyn Gang Member Indicted for Multiple Shootings and Firearms Offenses

 

Darrius Sutton Allegedly Wounded Four Victims Over Nine Months in 2019 and 2020

 A nine-count superseding indictment was filed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Darrius Sutton, also known as “Blizz Meecho,” with violent crimes in-aid-of racketeering — including attempted murder and related firearms offenses.  Sutton is already in federal custody following his arrest in July 2020 on charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition.  He will be arraigned on the superseding indictment at a later date.  

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the superseding indictment.

“As alleged in the superseding indictment, the defendant terrorized the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn by engaging in armed warfare with rival gangs, and innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfire,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Kasulis.  “This Office is working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to take violent gang members off the street and put an end to senseless violence plaguing communities in the district.” 

“Members of criminal gangs often don’t fear the consequences of their actions, but Mr. Sutton now faces a long stay in federal prison for his alleged crimes. Our FBI Metro Safe Streets Task Force and law enforcement partners haven’t backed off our pursuit of these groups and stopping the chaos gangs create,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll. 

“This case highlights the NYPD’s and our law enforcement partners relentless pursuit of those few individuals who drive the worst kinds of violence and disorder in the city.  I want to thank our colleagues at the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their commitment in bringing this individual to justice,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.

As set forth in court filings, Sutton is a member of an East New York-based gang called “Bamalife,” which has ongoing and violent rivalries with other gangs in East New York and elsewhere in Brooklyn. The charges in the superseding indictment relate to three non-fatal shootings in East New York in which four individuals were wounded.

The August 11, 2019 Shooting

As alleged, on August 11, 2019, Sutton attended a party at a rental hall located at 2529 Atlantic Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn.  Surveillance video and other evidence established that shortly after Sutton left the party, he confronted a member of a rival gang who was also leaving the party.  Sutton demanded to know if the victim was a member of the rival gang; Sutton began shooting and pursuing the intended victim as the victim attempted to flee.  In addition to striking his intended victim in the forearms and groin, Sutton’s gunfire also wounded an innocent bystander in the leg.   

The April 20, 2020 Shooting

As alleged, on April 20, 2020, Sutton ambushed a victim in the vicinity of 375 Sheffield Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn.  Surveillance video shows Sutton approaching the victim undetected from behind, drawing his weapon, firing several shots and striking the male in the chest, thigh and wrist.  

The May 16, 2020 Shooting

As alleged, on May 16, 2020, Sutton shot a member of a rival gang in the vicinity of 2211 Pitkin Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn.  Surveillance video shows two cars pulling up to a location approximately four blocks from the scene of the shooting.  Sutton exited one of the cars and walked to 2211 Pitkin Avenue, where members of a rival gang are known to congregate.  Sutton entered the lobby of the building with a firearm in his hand.  Moments later, Sutton shot the victim in the courtyard of the building.  

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The charges in the indictments are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

108 Days and Counting - Classrooms are being closed due to COVID

 

I can't wait for basketball season to start again. I will have plenty of time to go to the Brooklyn Nets games at the Barclay Center, and why do you think I put the center in Brooklyn. Can you imagine the Queens Nets or even the Bronx Nets? 

As you see I have just over three months left as your mayor, and if Kathy Hochul can do a better job of running Rikers Island she is welcome to do it. Why doesn't she send me some state police to help manage Rikers? I have bigger problems as we are closing classrooms, and what is that Chancellor Porter, we are now closing school classrooms due to COVID. As you can see, here is the link to Our daily Schools COVID map https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/covid-information/daily-covid-case-map. I have to devise a plan to keep the schools open, so where is Governor Kathy Hochul to help me?