SU Announces Major Investment in Campus and Community Safety

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University President Janet Dudley-Eshbach today announced a major investment in the safety of the SU campus, the City of Salisbury and surrounding communities.

In a letter sent to Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman, the President pledged $200,000 toward a new aerial ladder truck for the Salisbury Fire Department. The vehicle, valued at over $1.1 million, will significantly improve the Fire Department’s access to high-rise buildings, including many of SU’s residence halls.

“Through the years, Salisbury University has worked in partnership with the City of Salisbury to help ensure safer and more secure neighborhoods,” said Dudley-Eshbach. “We are grateful for the timely and dependable services provided by the Salisbury Fire Department, and are pleased that our investment will enhance its ability to meet the needs of our entire community.”

The region’s elected leaders hailed the new collaboration.  “As a longtime firefighter myself, I understand and appreciate the indispensable services that our region’s fire companies provide on a daily basis,” said Delegate Norman H. Conway, Maryland House of Delegates (District 38B) and chair of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Salisbury University’s investment in this new ladder truck will enable the Salisbury Fire Department to respond even more effectively to life-threatening emergencies on campus and throughout the area.”

“The Salisbury Fire Department plays a vital role in safeguarding the quality of life at Salisbury University and across the Lower Shore,” said Maryland Senator J. Lowell Stoltzfus (District 38). “Given the obvious importance of fire and rescue services to the campus community, I commend Salisbury University for responding to the Fire Department's unmet equipment needs in a spirit of real collaboration.”

The University’s contribution to the purchase of the new fire truck will be made in five annual installments of $40,000. The first payment will be made when the new equipment has been placed into service.

SU has shown a strong commitment to work with Salisbury officials to ensure safer neighborhoods surrounding its campus and throughout the city. The University currently makes a voluntary annual payment of $70,000 to Salisbury for police and fire protection of the University Park student residential center.

This new investment will bring SU’s direct annual support for public safety services to $110,000.
“This is the latest example of the expanding partnership that exists between the City of Salisbury and Salisbury University,” said Tilghman. “We are excited to have this opportunity to work with SU to protect students, permanent residents and property throughout our City.”

“I am very happy that the Salisbury Fire Department will be working in close partnership with Salisbury University to provide the best emergency services possible.  This investment by Salisbury University will enhance our ability to save lives, prevent serious injury and protect personal property when the time comes,” said Chief David B. See of the Salisbury Fire Department.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.