A few weeks ago I wrote a story about recent news out of West Point. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer paid a visit to the legendary establishment and spoke about a number of issues. One such issue involved the West Point Fire Department. Specifically it was about how the West Point Fire Department was drastically underfunded. Well today news broke about an update regarding that very situation.

2 firefighters spraying high pressure water to fire
Getty Images/iStockphoto
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It was recently announced that the West Point Fire Department has received a massive budget increase towards their operation. Originally, West Point Fire Department had a fiscal budget of just $96,000. This budget increase will now increases West Point Fire Dept budget by more than 10x over at $1.8 million. News of this budget increase to this point has been incredibly positive. Some individuals like Conor Miller, the President of the local International Association of Firefighters went as far as to say that he and many were "elated" at the news.

Portrait of firefighters standing by a fire engine
Catherine Yeulet
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As it was originally stated, this budget increase became a major topic because West Point Fire Dept previous budget would have made it incredibly difficult for the individuals that comprise it to do their jobs. With the new budget, plans are already in place to replace old and damaged equipment. In addition, this money will also go towards repairing and replacing new fire trucks and new thermal imaging cameras' which allow firefighters to see through dense smoke.

Getty Images/Drew Angerer
Getty Images/Drew Angerer
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Originally, Sen. Schumer had stated previously that West Point Fire Dept had received staggering cuts to their budget annually, to the tune of 92% which started back in 2014. Cuts were so intense that repairs could not be made to WPFD fire trucks that are used to attend calls. This increase will now assure that not only will West Point Fire Fighters be able to carry out their duties but they intern will also be safer while doing their job.

Check THis Out: Sen Schumer: Call For More West Point Fire Funding

Firefighter wearing a rolled hose
MaboHH
Thinkstock
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Regardless of one's own individual politics or whether or not you support particular politicians, getting the help that is needed for the people who keep us regular civilians safe everyday is not political. They deserve all the support possible cause the majority of normal civilians would not be able to do the jobs that they do. So congratulations WPFD and thank you.

28 Distinguished Historic Figures Buried at West Point Cemetery

New York State is rich in history. West Point Cemetery acts as a national historic landmark and the final resting place for 28 historic figures. From Medal of Honor recipients and Military leaders to astronauts and other Military heroes, their final resting place can be found right here in the Hudson Valley.

11 Old Upstate Train Stations and Firehouses That Are Now Restaurants

The time comes in every small town in Upstate New York when they must look to giving up the ghost with their old train stations and firehouses. Time has passed these important places for the most part, and (in the case of the old firehouses), new, more modern ones must be built.

So, what to do with the old buildings?

Well, many communities have sold off their "old stock" of train depots and fire stations to private citizens who have breathed new life into the structures as modern, delicious, and very popular restaurants.

Here are some very old train depots and fire stations (some more than 150 years old), that
are now vital places in their communities, serving up delicious meals, a place for high-end cocktails, a venue for live entertainment, and more. And to the credit of almost each of these listed in this gallery, they have all managed to modernize these old buildings while leaving important nuances reflecting back on the DNA of their past, back to when the conductor used to holler "All Aboard" and to when the fire trucks barreled out the huge front doors answering the call in the neighborhood.

I think you will enjoy this list!

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