Watch full briefing HERE.
During his weekly Westchester briefing, Latimer discussed:
- Latimer will be joined by Village of Larchmont Mayor Sarah Bauer
- Westchester County Department of Emergency Services HERRO Program
- Westchester County Freedom Concert Tribute to American Military Heroes
- Free Bee-Line Buses for Summer
- Upcoming Westchester County Parks Events
- Department of Correction New Weapons Detection System
- Update on Westchester County’s Response to New York City Migrant Crisis
The Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Has Extended the Filing Deadline for Spring Semester HERRO Applications
Watch a video on the HERRO Program HERE.
The Westchester County Department of Emergency Services has extended the filing deadline for Spring Semester HERRO applications. In addition, DES is hosting office hours for applicants who need assistance filling out the forms. The Higher Education Recruitment and Retention Opportunity (HERRO) program, now in its second year, offers up to $6,000 per year in higher education tuition or student loan reimbursements in exchange for a year of volunteer service at a local Fire Department or EMS agency. The initial June 3, 2023, application deadline for the HERRO program has been extended to July 28, 2023. This extension will give more applicants an opportunity to benefit from the program, and enable local Fire Department and EMS to recruit and retain more volunteers.
DES Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie noted that 132 volunteer first responders were awarded $500,000 in 2022 after the HERRO program was launched. Based on that success, Latimer and the Board of Legislators approved funding the same amount for 2023. So far 56 HERRO applicants have been awarded almost $200,000 in reimbursements for the first semester of 2023.
DES is hosting HERRO office hours to help volunteers complete their applications, including the availability of a notary service. Volunteers will be able to work directly with a HERRO Administrator to complete the application and ask questions on the spot. The office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment. To make an appointment call (914) 231-1851 or email .
More information about the innovative program, including qualification requirements, can be found on the Department of Emergency Services website: https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/h-e-r-r-o-program
WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION IMPLEMENTS STATE-OF-THE-ART WEAPONS DETECTION SYSTEM
To add another layer of security at its jail complex, the Westchester Department of Correction (WDOC) has started using a sophisticated weapons detection system at its main civilian entrance (Post-1). The Motorola Solutions – Evolv CWD system is calibrated and designed to detect specific weapons and explosives and to ignore common items such as keys, cell phones, belt buckles, and other metallic items. All persons entering through Post 1 (foot traffic) will be required to pass through and clear the Evolv CWD system prior to being granted access to WDOC grounds. The system uses low frequency radio waves and does not emit any radiation. It is considered safe for use on all individuals, however individuals with any safety concerns should bring those issues to the attention of on duty staff members.
Department of Correction Commissioner Joseph Spano said: “The implementation of this technology was not in response to any specific threat, and is just another proactive measure to enhance overall facility safety for staff, residents and civilian visitors. It aligns with other technological measures that have recently been installed at our complex to combat the introduction of contraband, such as the full body scanner units being used at our intake and visitation centers, and our mail screening units. These security enhancements are made possible because of the support we receive from County Executive Latimer and his Administration. The WDOC workforce greatly appreciates that support and are very pleased to have this additional layer of security in place.”
Motorola Solutions-Evolv CWD technology has been used to screen more than 60 million people-second in numbers only to the US Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration. The system spots concealed weapons and other threats using advanced digital sensors and artificial intelligence and has proven to operate up to 10 times faster than the traditional metal detectors.
Founder, Shepherd Communication and Security Richard Ruzzo said: “We believe that the Westchester Department of Correction is the first New York State jail to leverage sophisticated technology of this nature. Our team worked very closely with WDOC representatives to ensure that the Motorola Solutions – Evolv CWD system meets all of their expectations and delivers the intended protections without sacrificing the visitor experience”.
The Westchester Department of Correction is considered a national leader in the space, recognized for its robust rehabilitation program system and accreditation certifications through the American Correctional Association, the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare and the Prison Rape Elimination Act.