Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announces major $1.3 million investment to boost emergency response with a new state-of-the-art Hazmat vehicle

Monroe County, New York – In a strong show of commitment to community safety, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has unveiled a $1.3 million investment in a brand-new, state-of-the-art Hazardous Materials Response Vehicle. The announcement, made in partnership with the Monroe County Fire Bureau, WM, and Sunnking, came as part of this year’s National Fire Prevention Awareness Week — a time dedicated to reminding residents that preparation and prevention save lives.

The investment marks another step forward in Monroe County’s proactive approach to emergency preparedness. The new Hazmat Response Vehicle will dramatically strengthen local capabilities when it comes to handling emergencies involving fires, chemical leaks, explosions, or lithium-ion battery incidents — all threats that have become more common in today’s world of rapidly advancing technology.

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“The safety of our community is, and will always remain, my top priority. This new Hazmat vehicle gives our first responders the advanced tools they need to quickly contain dangerous situations, like fires caused by Lithium-ion batteries,” said County Executive Bello. “And as it is Fire Prevention Week, I want to remind everyone that prevention starts at home. I strongly encourage residents to use our free Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal Program at the ecopark to safely dispose Lithium-Ion batteries and reduce the risk of devastating fires. I want to thank my partners in the County Legislature for their commitment to public safety, as well as Sunnking and WM for standing with us to protect our community and our environment.”

Bello’s announcement highlights a growing concern among emergency responders nationwide — the risk posed by lithium-ion batteries, now found in everything from smartphones and laptops to power tools and e-cigarettes. When damaged or improperly discarded, these batteries can ignite or explode, creating dangerous situations for both the public and firefighters.

To address this growing risk, Monroe County has been promoting its Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal Program at the Monroe County/WM ecopark. Since the program’s launch in September 2023, it has already collected an impressive 3.5 tons of lithium-ion and lithium-based batteries, ensuring they are handled and disposed of safely.

The free, no-appointment-needed program was made possible through a partnership between the County, WM, and Sunnking — a company known for its sustainable recycling solutions. Together, these partners are ensuring that residents have a safe and convenient way to get rid of batteries that might otherwise end up in landfills or recycling centers unequipped to manage them.

“Sunnking commends Monroe County and County Executive Adam Bello for their continued efforts to protect the community through responsible recycling and disposal initiatives. We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the county and WM in offering residents free, safe battery disposal at the Monroe County/WM ecopark,” said Adam Shine, President of Sunnking Sustainable Solutions. “Batteries can be inherently dangerous if not handled properly. It’s imperative that consumers and the local business community keep these batteries out of landfills and away from facilities that aren’t equipped to manage them safely. We’re grateful to be part of a solution that prioritizes environmental responsibility and public safety.”

The new Hazmat Response Vehicle is designed to give firefighters and emergency personnel the tools they need to react quickly and effectively when seconds count. Equipped with modern communication systems, detection instruments, and containment technology, the vehicle will serve as a mobile command center capable of responding to a wide range of incidents across Monroe County.

“It is our responsibility to ensure first responders have the necessary resources to meet any hazard head on. The county’s new Hazmat Response Vehicle will strengthen our ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to threats to the community, ranging from spills of toxic chemicals to dangerous lithium-ion battery explosions,” said Chairman of the Public Safety Committee Dave Long. “I am proud to support this investment and County Executive Bello’s ongoing commitment to Monroe County’s safety and support of our first responders.”

For emergency management officials, the addition of this vehicle represents not just an equipment upgrade, but a broader investment in resilience. From industrial accidents to home-based fire risks, the ability to contain hazardous materials is a critical part of keeping both residents and responders safe.

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Legislator Paul Dondorfer echoed that sentiment, calling the decision to support the funding an easy one. “Supporting this investment was an easy decision,” said Legislator Dondorfer. “Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a County, and our first responders deserve the best tools and technology to protect residents. This new Hazmat vehicle will strengthen Monroe County’s emergency response capabilities and help keep families across our community safe.”

The timing of the announcement — during National Fire Prevention Week — reinforces the importance of preparedness at every level. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” encourages individuals to be aware of the devices around them and to handle and dispose of batteries properly.

As technology evolves and lithium-ion batteries become more common in daily life, Bello’s administration is emphasizing both prevention and readiness. The $1.3 million Hazmat vehicle ensures Monroe County’s first responders will have the latest equipment, while ongoing education and safe disposal programs help reduce the risks before they even begin.

The county’s message is clear: while emergencies can strike without warning, preparation and awareness can prevent the worst outcomes. With continued investments like this one — and the cooperation of local partners and residents — Monroe County is taking strong, measurable steps to keep its communities safe.

Residents interested in learning more about safe battery disposal or other environmental programs can visit monroecounty.gov/ecopark for details.