Cayuga Nation Donates $60k

CAYUGA NATION CONTINUES STRONG FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF UNION SPRINGS HOSE COMPANY 

Union Springs, New York, March 21, 2025: The Cayuga Nation donated $60,000 to Union Springs Hose Company (Union Springs Fire Department), which supported the acquisition of a rescue hovercraft.

Fire Chief Garret Waldron and 1st Deputy Fire Chief Jessica Waldron met with Cayuga Nation Police Superintendent Michael DuBois earlier this month to explain the importance of the new apparatus, and how it will enhance public safety and ensure the safety of the fire company’s all-volunteer personnel. It will be used for ice/mud/swamp operations and rescues over unstable or dangerous terrain.

“The Cayuga Nation remains committed to giving back to the community and being good neighbors,” said Cayuga Nation Leader and Federal Representative Clint Halftown. “Every day, these dedicated men and women put themselves in harm’s way to keep our community safe, and it’s an honor to help them get the equipment they need to do their important work.”

This donation follows the Nation’s previous charitable contributions toward infrastructure, firefighter protective equipment, and specific apparatus UTV One and Rescue Two.

Pictured left to right in front of Rescue Two:

• Jonathan Dekanski, Tribal Council. Heron Clan
• Donald Jimerson, Tribal Council. Bear Clan
• Bruce Prouten, Union Springs Fire Department Board of Trustees
• Clint Halftown, Cayuga Nation Federal Representative, Heron Clan
• Michael Barringer, Tribal Council, Wolf Clan
• Ramon Salas, Tribal Council, Bear Clan
• Gary Wheeler, Tribal Council, Turtle Clan

For more information about the Cayuga Nation and some of its public safety partnerships, please see:

• cayuganationpolice.gov
• unionspringsfirdepartment.com
• cayuganation-nsn.gov

About Cayuga Nation

The Cayuga Nation is a federally recognized sovereign Indian nation established in 1794 by the Treaty of Canandaigua. The Nation’s sovereign and federally protected 64,015-acre reservation is located in Seneca and Cayuga Counties in the State of New York. The Cayuga Nation Council, led by Clint Halftown, Gary Wheeler, Donald Jimerson, Michael Barringer, Ramon Salas, and Jonathon Dekanski serves as the official governing body for the entire Nation. With more than 500 citizens across the country, the Cayuga Nation and its leadership provide national benefits to Cayuga Nation citizens, including financial support, cultural enrichment opportunities, food distribution and community events, among other benefits. These activities have allowed Cayuga Nation citizens to return to their homeland with an opportunity for housing and employment, which helps preserve the Cayuga Nation’s culture.

About the Union Springs Hose Company

The Union Springs Hose Company proudly protects 3,000 people across 28 square miles, operating out of one station that serves the Village of Union Springs, the Town of Springport and a large portion of Cayuga Lake. The Union Hose & Engine Company, Inc. was formed in 1906. Today, the department has 30 active members who provide 24-hour service 365 days per year. The department’s community is located on the east side of Cayuga Lake in central New York, ranging from 3,000 residents in the winter to 3,900 residents in the busier summer months. The Union Springs Hose Company’s main objective is to provide fire rescue and protection on land and water and to keep residents as safe as possible.