Poloncarz, Garcia join Commissioners of Public Works, Homeland Security & Emergency Services at Lancaster DPW Barn to Review Fleet, Promote Winter Driving Safety
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Winter weather is approaching our area and today Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Erie County Sheriff John Garcia, Commissioner of Public Works William Geary, and Commissioner of the Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services Dan Neaverth, Jr. at the Public Works’ Lancaster Barn to review the county’s fleet of snowfighting equipment and also emphasize safety as winter weather approaches.
“Just as we are preparing at the county level to respond to this upcoming snow, it’s important that people take some time to prepare themselves and their vehicles for the weather. Keep a close eye on the forecast, stay inside if you don’t have to go out, and if you do go out be sure your vehicle is ready for the weather,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “That means obeying driving bans if there are any, making sure your vehicle has snow tires and a winter weather kit in the back, and wearing winter-appropriate clothing when outdoors. Don’t be caught off guard, with just a little bit of planning and preparation you can avoid problems.”
“We are no stranger to handling dangerous winter storms, and we all know the difference between being responsible and being irresponsible. If conditions are bad and your travel isn’t essential, stay home,” said Sheriff John Garcia. “My Office has responded to far too many unnecessary and avoidable accidents over the years. Staying out of harm’s way keeps you safe, your neighbors safe and our deputies safe.”
The Department of Public Works Highways Division currently has 41 plow trucks ready to roll across the county’s five maintenance districts. In addition to that, the Department’s heavy equipment includes 20 loaders, 2 motor graders and 4 blower trucks ready for use in the snow.
Commissioner of Public Works William Geary said, “Snow is coming and our drivers and trucks will be ready, but we remind residents to be patient and the plow will get to them. We encourage motorists to give themselves extra time, make sure their vehicles are prepared for the conditions, and don’t crowd the plow when out on the road. If we all work together, we can handle the winter weather.”
While the bulk of the county’s snow fighting equipment resides in the Public Works department, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry also provides a variety of equipment if needed. Among the Parks’ Department inventory are the following:
- Two PistenBully snow groomer/ski dozers with 10 passenger cab;
- One PistenBully Scout;
- Two Bombardier snow groomer/ski dozers;
- Three Can Am Defenders on tracks;
- One John Deere loader with 10'-16' plow attachment;
- One John Deere Loader with pusher box; and,
- One Caterpillar loader with 10'-16' plow attachment.
The Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services snow response assets include four snowmobiles, one UTV, eight ATVs, and one Argo.
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Public Works, visit https://www3.erie.gov/dpw/
On the Erie County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit
On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry, visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/
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