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Peekskill fire chief warns of equipment shortfalls despite staffing gains
Summary
Fire Chief Seymour told the council the department is projecting near‑budget year‑end spending and highlighted an $86,000 shortfall that would affect turnout gear and essential equipment; he also announced a $688,000 federal port security grant for a rescue boat requiring a city match.
Fire Chief Seymour delivered the department's budget presentation and said staffing increases have improved efficiency but fiscal pressure remains on equipment and repair lines. As of Sept. 30 he reported personnel spending at about 67.5% and other operating lines between 74% and 75%, with year‑end projections near 97–98%.
Seymour said total departmental responses were 2,102 so far this year, up from 1,983 last year, and that a protocol change to respond simultaneously with the ambulance corps has increased first‑responder speed. "We are projected to be about 2,627" responses for the year, he said, adding that the uptick reflects faster EMS deployments and quicker patient transport.
The chief highlighted training and equipment accomplishments — swiftwater and ice‑rescue courses, a Westchester County UTV put into service, and new CPR/first‑aid instructors — and raised concern about a cut to the firefighter supplies line. "That $86,000 — that is turnout gear," Seymour said, noting a full set of turnout gear (pants, coat, helmet, boots, gloves, Nomex hood) costs roughly $6,500 and must be replaced after 10 years. He told the council his calculation shows the department could be effectively out of money for necessary items if spending continues at current rates.
Seymour also announced the department was offered a $688,000 Port Security grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to fund a fire rescue boat on the Hudson River and said a city match of 25% will be required; staff are pursuing additional state support to offset the match. "We had been watching this grant," Seymour said, crediting firefighter Rocco Picciano with much of the grant work.
Council members thanked Seymour for reduced overtime and improved culture in the firehouse and asked staff to seek public‑private partnerships or contingency funding to restore critical lines. City Manager Matt Alexander warned the council a current grant that funds six firefighter positions will expire in 2027, which would raise the city's long‑term personnel costs and argues for cautious budgeting now.
