Senator Charles J. Fuschillo recently announced that he is sponsoring legislation that would properly warn firefighters of the existence of truss construction materials in commercial or industrial buildings. Truss type construction is a prefabricated structure of wood or steel used to build floors, roofs and ceilings through a series of triangles spanning greater distances than normally possible if any of the individual pieces were used separately. However, truss construction is known to separate in extreme heat and collapse in the early stages of a fire, endangering the lives of firefighters and rescue workers.

According to Fuschillo, the legislation would require all commercial and industrial structures that utilize truss type construction to be marked with a sign or symbol in order to sufficiently advise firefighters and rescue workers.

"The existence of truss construction materials in buildings represents a threatening danger to firefighters and rescue workers," Fuschillo said. "In order to provide the necessary protection from the potential collapse of truss constructed buildings, I believe it is necessary to identify such buildings in order for firefighter and rescue workers to be best prepared when entering a burning structure."

Senator Fuschillo was recently joined by Senators Kemp Hannon and Dean Skelos when he presented a New York State Senate grant of $735,000 to Nassau Community College officials to help fund new electronic doors for improved access for disabled students.

"This grant will help limit barriers that disabled students face on campus and will allow them and others improved access to a higher education," Fuschillo stated. "Nassau Community College has nearly 600 students with disabilities currently enrolled at the college and they are entitled to receiving an education without the frustration caused by obstacles that prevent them from getting to their classes and earning their degrees."

Students expressed their gratification to the senators that new electronic doors will provide improved access around campus and help them get to classes promptly.