STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As emergency responders, the volunteers of Richmond Engine Co. 1 rely upon their gear being readily accessible and in prime condition. So, when the safety of the crew’s equipment was determined to be at risk due to inadequate security, the budget-strapped engine company explored the affordability of purchasing a surveillance system.
“Matt De Gennaro, president of Video Surveillance Corp. (VSC), stepped up, and generously provided and installed video cameras at no charge,” said Steve White, chief of the engine company at 3664 Richmond Rd., Richmond. He adds, “Since everything is paid for by the volunteers, the donated cameras helped to support the fire company’s budget.”
Opened in 1905, Richmond Engine Co. 1 is sustained through donations and grants, as its volunteers – trained firefighters and emergency medical technicians – respond to emergencies.
“There was little to consider once I learned of their needs,” said De Gennaro, whose second-generation family business is headquartered in New Springville. “They needed the help and it had to be done. As a volunteer fire-house, the engine company cannot afford to have any of its equipment damaged or stolen. This is one way of thanking the engine company for all its years of serving the community.”
In addition to the contribution of equipment, Peter Oniyi, a Video Surveillance Corp. security technician, and De Gennaro donated their time in late September to install some of the latest advancements in network camera technology at the firehouse, including two-megapixel Internet protocol (IP) cameras, a four-channel network video recorder, and viewing monitor. As a result of the newly installed technology, engine company administrators can now view the premises remotely.
Launched in 1978, Video Surveillance Corp. (VSC) is a world-class commercial and residential security-systems integrator.