Malliotakis, Staten Island Officials Raise Concerns Over Recent Delay in Critical Emergency Services

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) joined a bipartisan group of Staten Island elected officials in writing to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Robert Barbera, Deputy Commissioner of The Public Safety and Emergency Management Division, expressing concerns over reports that constituents were unable to reach emergency service call centers.

The letter is in response to a troubling incident first reported by the Staten Island Advance on May 7, when bystanders discovered an unconscious individual on a sidewalk in New Dorp Beach. Despite multiple rings and several callback attempts, the bystanders could not connect with a 911 operator on a seemingly routine Monday night when no other significant events were occurring. Ultimately, the bystanders called the 122nd Precinct and directly contacted EMTs they knew, actions that saved the unconscious man's life. 

"Ensuring public safety and access to emergency services continues to be a top priority for all New Yorkers," the officials wrote. "In an emergency, our constituents understand that every minute counts. It is critical that EMS, Fire, or Police are dispatched in a timely manner, as this can make the difference between life and death. This begs the question: if a major event such as a terrorist attack, another Hurricane Sandy, or a pandemic were to occur, can the City, which struggled to respond to calls on a routine Monday at 7:30 PM, be able to manage under catastrophic circumstances? We are aware that the City has made cuts to both NYPD and FDNY as a result of its decision to pay for migrant housing, food, and healthcare. The safety of citizens cannot be jeopardized by staffing cuts or any hiring freezes that may be due to city budget cuts." 

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE LETTER HERE