Verplanck, NY - New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that a $100,000 state grant he secured for the Verplanck Fire Department helped complete a long-needed roof replacement project at the department’s firehouse.

The project will address significant structural concerns caused by an aging roof, ensuring that the Verplanck Firehouse, which was built in 1962, remains safe, functional, and accessible for firefighters and the broader community. The new roof will improve the building’s structural integrity and reduce ongoing maintenance concerns.  The project is expected to generate long-term cost savings through improved resilience while enhancing the Fire Department’s overall operational efficiency.

“The Verplanck Fire Department’s new roof on its firehouse and headquarters is a critical investment,” said Harckham. “Our firefighters deserve safe, reliable spaces where they can gather, work and ready equipment in service to the community. This funding helps ensure that the VFD can serve the community without disruption.” 

Verplanck Fire District Commission Chair Charlie Eichler said, “Replacing our roof was essential to protecting our firehouse and ensuring we can continue serving our residents and business owners throughout the Verplanck community and beyond without interruption. This investment not only strengthens our facility for the long term but also allows us to confidently house our fire engines and equipment, expand our outreach efforts, and remain a dependable gathering place for years to come.”

A volunteer firefighting organization and EMS agency, the Verplanck Fire Department provides fire protection and Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Services to the hamlet of Verplanck within the Town of Cortlandt. The Verplanck Fire District also encompasses the former Indian Point Nuclear Facility, the Continental Gypsum Plant in neighboring Buchanan and several other commercial sites. The department answers approximately 265 calls a year, including boating accidents and emergencies on the Hudson River, and provides mutual aid to other area fire departments as well.  

The $100,000 for the Verplanck Firehouse roof project was awarded through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program, which supports critical infrastructure improvements for municipalities and nonprofit organizations.

The funding is part of the more than $40 million Harckham has secured for projects benefiting communities throughout the 40th Senate District, which includes northern Westchester, eastern Putnam, and portions of Rockland County.