Sector Buffalo Press Releases

(5-06-08) COAST GUARD HOLDS BOATER SAFETY EXPO IN BUFFALO

2008-05-06T20:17:13Z

Sector Buffalo
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: May 6, 2008

Contact: Lt. Chris Sweeney
(716) 843-9340, phone

COAST GUARD HOLDS BOATER SAFETY EXPO IN BUFFALO

BUFFALO, NY- The first annual Eastern Great Lakes Water Safety Expo will be held on May 17, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sector Buffalo Coast Guard Base.

The Water Safety Expo is held in conjunction with National Safe Boating week, May 17-23, 2008. The public is invited to visit the Coast Guard Base and learn about the importance of being safe on and near the waters of the Great Lakes.

The Water Safety Expo will provide an opportunity for everyone to see what the Coast Guard does to ensure the safety of the public when they take part in boating and swimming activities. In addition to the Coast Guard, numerous law enforcement and public safety agencies will be on hand to show the public how they, in partnership with the Coast Guard, contribute to everyone's safety. Events planned for the day include live demonstrations by Coast Guard personnel, equipment displays, informational booths and games. Tours of the historic Buffalo Lighthouse will be available.

All Coast Guard Stations in Sector Buffalo will be holding open houses during the Water Safety Expo to give the public the opportunity to experience Coast Guard missions and become better informed about water safety.

Safety on the water is everyone's responsibility. The public is invited to attend the Water Safety Expo in order to educate themselves on the risks and rewards of enjoying the water ways of the Eastern Great Lakes safely. For more information on the Water Safety Expo or Station Open House events visit the Water Safety web site at http://eglwaterexpo.angelfire.com/

For further information please contact the Sector Buffalo Public Affairs Officer, Lt. Chris Sweeney at (716) 843-9340.

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COAST GUARD AWARDS THE DOBBINS AWARD FOR RESCUE OF A POTENTIAL DROWNING VICTIM

2008-01-11T20:25:39Z

ROCHESTER, NY- The Coast Guard will award the Captain David P. Dobbins Award to Mr. Steve Colasurdo for saving a fellow boater from drowning last summer. On July 17, 2007 Mr. Colasurdo saved Dr. William C. Rock from nearly drowning when he fell off his boat and could not get back aboard. The award will be presented at 9 am at Coast Guard Station Rochester by the Sector Buffalo Commander, Captain S.J. Ferguson.

At approximately 3 pm on July 17, 2007, Dr Rock was returning to his boat slip at his marina in Cape Vincent, NY. During the maneuver, he fell into the water while the motor of his boat was still running. The boat pulled Dr Rock, who was not wearing a life jacket at the time, away from the dock and into deep water. Yelling for help, he got the attention of Mr. Colasurdo, who was about to depart for a fishing trip with his son. Mr. Colasurdo went to the aid of Dr. Rock, shut off the motor of his boat and got him out of the water. Dr Rock suffered a mild heart attack as a result of his ordeal. He was taken to the local hospital and later fully recovered. Dr. Rock will attend the ceremony on Monday.

The Captain David P. Dobbins Award is presented in recognition of actions taken while conducting search and rescue missions on the Great Lakes. Captain Dobbins was appointed the first Superintendant of the US Lifesaving Service of the Great Lakes in 1876. He distingushed himself by performing and organizing numerous heroic rescues during his career. In memory of his heritage, initiative and dedication the award is presented to individuals who perform distingushed search and rescue acts on the Great Lakes.

The Coast Guard congratulates Mr. Colasurdo for his courageous action. Recreational boating safety and boater education is one of the primary missions of the Coast Guard. For more information on this or any other Coast Guard program contact your nearest Coast Guard Station.

NEW COAST GUARD ACADEMY APPOINTEES BEGIN THEIR CAREERS

2007-06-12T19:39:02Z

Sector Buffalo
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: June 13, 2007

Contact: LT Chris Sweeney
(716) 843-9340

NEW COAST GUARD ACADEMY APPOINTEES BEGIN THEIR CAREERS

ROCHESTER, NY- On Saturday, 16 June 2007, Coast Guard Station Rochester will host five Western New York appointees to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's Class of 2011. The five young men and women will be joined by U.S. Coast Guard Academy alumni representing both active duty and retired officers, including two former Academy faculty members. Several parents of current cadets and recent graduates of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy will also be present. This unique event provides these appointees an opportunity to discuss the rewards and challenges of attending one of the nation's premier academic institutions and hear words of encouragement from those who graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. In addition to meeting other members of the Coast Guard "family", the new appointees will have their first opportunity to get underway on the Coast Guard Station Rochester's 47-foot Motor Lifeboat and observe a multi-unit training evolution with one of Coast Guard Air Station Detroit's H65 "Dolphin" helicopters.

These young men and women from Western New York received their appointments to the US Coast Guard Academy based on their academic and sports achievements, community service, and leadership potential. As an appointee, each of these individuals will be attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for four years at federal government expense. An equivalent scholarship would be valued at $250,000 to $300,000. Given that approximately 300 appointments are awarded each year, selection of five young men and women from western New York to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy reflects highly on the quality of candidates in the area. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is regarded as one of the most selective colleges and universities in the country.

These prospective cadets are not only embarking on a challenging academic and leadership learning opportunity; they represent the future leaders of America's premier maritime military service. On 2 July 2007, these five new appointees will report to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT and begin their "Swab Summer" or the "boot camp" training regimen for incoming cadets. As the smallest and perhaps most distinctive of the four military service academies, the mission is to graduate leaders of exceptional character who will serve a minimum of five years as commissioned officers in the United States Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard stresses ice safety as the weather warms.

2007-03-12T18:59:31Z

Sector Buffalo
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: March 12, 2007

Contact: LT C. Sweeney
(716) 818-7034

U.S. Coast Guard stresses ice safety as the weather warms.

BUFFALO- Coast Guard Sector Buffalo would like to re-enforce the need for people to use precautions when planning recreational activities on frozen ponds, streams, river and lakes in our area. Ice is unpredictable and dangerous; and ‘ALL' ice is risky. While the Coast Guard understands winter recreation on the ice around the Great Lakes is a tradition, we would like to re-enforce our pledge for public responsibility and safety:

Always check the weather and ice conditions before any trip out onto the ice. Ice thickness is not consistent.
Always tell family and friends where you are going and when you are expected to be back - and stick to the plan.
Use the buddy system. NEVER go out onto the ice alone. If you choose to go out on the ice alone, stay in an area where other people can see you.
Dress in bright colors. Wear an exposure suit that is waterproof and a personal floatation device.
Carry a whistle or noise-making device to alert people that you are in distress; or carry a cell phone and/or a VHF-FM radio to contact the nearest Coast Guard station in case you see someone in distress.
Carry two ice picks or screwdrivers. If you fall through the ice you can use these items to get you out. They are more effective than using your hands.

For additional tips on ice safety, treating and/or responding to hypothermia, or to arrange for an interview with your local Coast Guard unit concerning ice safety, contact the Sector Buffalo Public Affairs Officer at (716) 818-7034.

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INTERNATIONAL EXERCISE TESTS ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE ON THE ST LAWERENCE RIVER

2006-08-28T15:06:05Z

Sector Buffalo
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: 28 August 2006

Contact: LT C. Sweeney
(716) 843- 9340

INTERNATIONAL EXERCISE TESTS ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE ON THE ST LAWRENCE RIVER

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY- Pollution response agencies along the both sides of the St. Lawrence River will be conducting a major exercise to test their ability to respond to an oil spill in the river. The Canadian/US Lakes Exercise (CANUSLAK) will focus on how a joint effort to respond to an oil spill will be managed. The exercise will be held from September 6-8, 2006 in and around Alexandria Bay, NY.

During the exercise, residents may observe US and Canadian Coast Guard vessels, emergency management agencies, law enforcement units and pollution response personnel conducting drills and training in the area. These response assets will be conducting shoreline surveys, overflying the exercise area, setting up command posts and medical treatment facilities, towing oil spill containment boom and practicing evacuation plans.

Protecting the environment is one of the keystone missions of the US Coast Guard. This exercise brings together the agencies responsible for pollution response to ensure they are prepared for any incident that may threaten the health, safety and security of the St Lawrence River system.

Child Safety Day at Alexandria Bay School

2006-05-19T15:34:55Z

SectorÂ Buffalo
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: May 19, 2006

Contact: LT Chris Sweeney
(716) 843-9340

Child Safety Day at Alexandria Bay School

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY- Children are our most precious gift and keeping them safe is everyone's job. Coast Guard Station Alexandria Bay and their law enforcement partners welcome the general public to Child Safety Day at Alexandria Bay School on Monday, May 22, 2006 between 9am and 2pm. The Coast Guard, New York State Department of Criminal Services, Jefferson County Emergency Management, Alexandria Bay Fire Department and many other agencies will be on hand to to provide information and demonstrations throughout the event.

Highlights of the Child Safety Day will include a US Coast Guard HH-65 helicopter, ADT Security's "McGruff, the crime dog", Coast Guard Auxiliary Child Boating Safety information, the Jefferson County fire safety trailer, police K-9's and many more safety orientated events.

Safety is job one, whether it's on board a boat, at home, on the job or at school. Child Safety Day will provide everyone with information and insight to help everyone have a safe and enjoyable summer, on the water or where ever you are.

NEW COMMANDER OF THE NINTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT TO VISIT BUFFALO

2006-05-09T21:11:12Z

Sector Buffalo
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: May 09, 2006

Contact: LT Chris Sweeney
(716) 824-9340

NEW COMMANDER OF THE NINTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT TO VISIT BUFFALO

BUFFALO, NY- The new commander of the Ninth Coast Guard District will arrive on May 10, 2006 to inspect the personnel and facilities at Buffalo's Coast Guard Base. This will be Rear Admiral Crowley's first visit to Western New York since taking command of the District of April 18, 2006 from then Rear Admiral Robert J. Papp. Vice Admiral Papp is currently serving as the Chief of Staff to the new Commandant of the Coast Guard.

Admiral Crowley will meet with Captain Scott J. Ferguson, Commander of Sector Buffalo, to discuss what the future holds for Sector Buffalo, the Ninth District and the Coast Guard. During the visit he will attend the Armed Forces Week Luncheon, visit local Coast Guard units and become familiar with the missions and environment Coast Guard personnel face in this area. Sector Buffalo is responsible for over 600 miles of international boarder, consisting of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, the Niagara River, Lake Erie and the Erie Canal System.

At 12:30pm on May 10, 2006 a media outreach event will be held with Admiral Crowley to discuss Coast Guard missions and issues relevant to Sector Buffalo and the Great Lakes. This event will be held at the Coast Guard Base in Buffalo, 1 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14203. Please contact LT Chris Sweeney at 716-843-9340 for further details.

COAST GUARD INCREASES HOMELAND SECURITY CAPABILITY

2006-03-28T17:36:42Z

Sector Buffalo
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: March 28, 2006

Contact: LT Chris Sweeney
(716) 818-7034

COAST GUARD INCREASES HOMELAND SECURITY CAPABILITY

Helicopter Operations on Wednesday, March 29, 2006

NIAGARA FALLS, NY- The final exercise for the Coast Guards new vertical deliver capability will be conducted at the Niagara Falls Airport( near Tech Aviation) on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 11:00am.

Static aircraft training will familiarize the students with aircraft configuration before flight operations. Each student will then deploy from the HH-65 'Dolphin' helicopter from 20 feet, 35 feet and 50 feet, both in a single and duel configurations. Additional training will be scheduled for later in the year to practice the techniques under real conditions aboard a lake freighter.

Vertical delivery is one more tool the Coast Guard has to use to conduct Maritime Homeland Security missions on the Great Lakes.

COAST GUARD INCREASES HOMELAND SECURITY CAPABILITY

2006-03-27T21:47:18Z

Sector Buffalo
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: March 27, 2006

Contact: LT Chris Sweeney
(716) 818-7034

COAST GUARD INCREASES HOMELAND SECURITY CAPABILITY

BUFFALO, NY- Members of Coast Guard Sector Buffalo will conduct three days of vertical delivery (VDEL) training to enhance their ability to conduct Maritime Homeland Security operations. VDEL training will allow Coast Guard law enforcement teams, if needed, to board commercial vessels underway in the Great Lakes from a helicopter.

Coast Guard boarding team members will undergo training consisting of classroom instruction, pool training and helicopter operations. During the classroom portion team members will familiarize themselves with the HH-65 'Dolphin' helicopter, emergency procedures and flight safety. Water survival and aircraft egress training will take place on the second day in the pool. The final day will include both static helicopter drills and flight operations. The boarding team members will be deployed to and from the helicopter as it hovers.

Training begins today and will culminate with the helicopter exercise this Wednesday.Vertical delivery is another tool the Coast Guard will have to enhance Maritime Homeland Security in the Great Lakes. During the shipping season over 4000 vessel transit the Great Lakes.

Coast Guard to reconfigure the Grand Island Navigational Range

2005-10-11T15:40:31Z

Sector Buffalo
U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: October 11, 2005

Contact: BMC Pugh
(716) 843-9550

Coast Guard to reconfigure the Grand Island Navigational Range
GRAND ISLAND, NY- The Coast Guard will be conducting the reconfiguration of the Grand Island Range: Light List Numbers 3075 and 3080 on the 13^th and 14^th of October 2005. We will be installing a “Pel-6” single stage sector light. The installation of this sector light will be the first of its kind on the Niagara River. This technology will not only allow the Coast Guard to minimize the impact of local home-owners but will also significantly improve the marking of the waterway. Technical information can be found on the Vega web sight: http://www.vega.co.nz/pages/sector/pelintro.htm.
Upon completion of the work, the rear range light on the Grand Island Range will be discontinued and their will no long be a Front Range Board.
All other aids in the area will remain on station.

If you require additional information please contact:
U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team
1 Fuhrmann BLVD
Buffalo NY 14203
(716) 843-9550/1