Farm Safety Seminars and Funding Highlights “Sheriff’s…

Farm Safety Seminars and Funding Highlights “Sheriff’s Community Coffee” for April

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol hosted his monthly “Sheriff’s Community Coffee” event for the month of April at Clinton Tractor & Implement Company on Meadow Street in Clinton today. These unique events continue to bring uniform Deputy Sheriffs & Correction Officers and the community members they serve, together–over a cup of coffee–to discuss issues and learn more about each other.

This event was expanded to include presentations on farm safety issues, updates on the changes made to the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Laws regarding the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) symbol, and the announcement by the Sheriff of funding that was secured for the purchasing of SMV symbols and reflective striping that will be provided to farmers who don’t have them.

Many of these issues that will be addressed throughout this event were included in Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.’s recent Dairy Sustainability Plan that he previously released.

Sheriff Maciol was joined at today’s event and announcement by members of the Sheriff’s Office Community Affairs Unit, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. , New York State Police Major Phillip Rougieux, New York State Police Sgt. Bernie Kennett, Anthony D’Agostino - NYS Sheriff’s Association Liaison with the NYS Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, (insert names ) from the Oneida County Farm Bureau, and several members from the county’s farming community.

“The Sheriff’s Office is very familiar with dealing various issues that affect Oneida County farmers, so I am very happy to bring this month’s Sheriff’s Community Coffee event to them directly. This event gives us an opportunity to update our farmers on some law changes and to hear any concerns they may have. I am also excited to announce funding that was secured through the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to insure that our farmers have SMV symbols for their tractors and implements - a safety issue specifically outlined in County Executive Picente’s Dairy Farmer Sustainability Action Plan”, said Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.

“Agriculture is Oneida County’s number one industry and we must do all we can to ensure our local farmers are provided with the resources necessary to succeed,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said. “During the course of our Dairy Farmer Forums, I heard firsthand of their plight and we put together a Dairy Farmer Sustainability Action Plan based on their concerns. I am pleased that we are able to address one of those issues here today, and I thank Sheriff Maciol for securing this state funding that will provide their tractors with the Slow Moving Vehicle Signs they requested.”

“The New York State Police ask motorists to be especially alert now that warmer weather is upon us for the agricultural equipment operators and all the other highway users that use the roadways. I’d like to thank the agricultural community for beefing up their equipment markings to make themselves more visible on the highway. Let’s all do our part for a safe productive summer here in New York State”, according to New York State Police Major Philip T. Rougieux, Troop D Commander .

“We are pleased to be partnering with the New York State Police, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. and Clinton Tractor to host these important safety seminars on the newest regulatory updates on the use of the SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) emblem. These training seminars are a vital educational tool not only for our farmer members but also for our rural neighbors in the proper usage of the SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) emblem,” said Oneida County Farm Bureau President Kevin Angell.

“Our family here at Clinton Tractor is proud to partner with our state and county officials as we do all we can to help keep our farmers and the other motorists on the road as safe as possible at all times. We are happy to host today’s event”, said John Calidonna from Clinton Tractor and Implement Company.

In addition to the 7:30am - 10:00am Community Coffee Event, the following schedule of law enforcement events will be going on at Clinton Tractor:

Friday:

7:30am - 4:00pm Safety Booth Displays by the Sheriff’s Office and N.Y. State Police

1:30pm - 2:00pm SMV Presentation by the Sheriff’s Office and N.Y. State Police

Saturday:

8:00am - 4:00pm Safety Booth Displays by the Sheriff’s Office and N.Y. State Police

11:00am - 4:00pm SMV Presentation by the Sheriff’s Office and N.Y. State Police