Chair Ariola opens hearing on emergency response in isolated communities

Good morning.

I am Joanne Areola, and I am the chair to the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management.

I would like to acknowledge members of the committee who are here, Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa, and we are also joined by Councilmember Salvina Brooks-Powers.

Today's hearing will be an opportunity for the committee to examine emergency response in the Rockaways and other geographically isolated communities in New York City.

A central component to a well-functioning city is a local government that prioritizes the prompt, effective, and efficient provision of emergency services to its residents.

As chair of the committee, we have routinely examined how the fire department and New York City emergency management and the city as a whole respond to emergency incidences.

Working to improve the city's delivery of emergency services, lower response times, and

expand access to life-saving protection and care that is offered by our first responders on each day.

As a lifelong resident of Queens, I take pride in representing the interests of the city's out-of-borough residents and have worked tirelessly to ensure the vital city services are provided equally to New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs.

Given the geographic expanse of our city, responding to emergency incidences are far-reaching neighborhoods of our outer boroughs can present challenges

for first responders and other city entities that provide support services at the scene of emergencies.

Today, we plan to examine how the city responds to emergencies in geographically remote areas.

We will look at how first responders are deployed and stationed to ensure prompt emergency responses and how the city ensures all New Yorkers receive emergency services promptly, regardless of where they live.