On May 14, 2020, Scott Beecher of Ward Diesel Filter Systems welcomed Congressman Tom Reed, along with New York State Senator Tom O’Mara, New York State Assemblymen Chris Friend and Paul Palmesano, to Ward Diesel’s facility in Horseheads, NY.

After a tour, the Congressman held a press conference and discussed plans to reopen the state of New York and the country. Ward Diesel Filter Systems, an essential business, has maintained operations throughout the pandemic and continues to function at 100% to support the health and safety of our first responders. This was a unique opportunity to advocate for the fire service with our government officials.

On July 15th, Ward Diesel Filters Systems hosted US Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer. During his visit, Senator Schumer unveiled his push to provide much-needed federal funding for small businesses. The Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program Act, or ‘P4’, would provide much-needed relief to small business owners by extending the PPP loan period to the end of the year. P4 also provides an optional second PPP loan for eligible small businesses that are in need of additional assistance to survive.

“The original PPP funds enabled us to retain all of our employees, despite a slow-down in business related to the pandemic. Keeping those employees allowed us to shift operations to make face shields for first responders and continue to serve the Fire and EMS community,” said Scott Beecher, President/Owner, Ward Diesel Filter Systems.

Per Senator Schumer, “Everyone wants small businesses to reopen, but the federal government must do more if that’s going to be possible. We need to do even more for businesses hardest-hit by the pandemic, making loans more accessible for small businesses and nonprofits that are struggling the most.”

Schumer’s visit to Ward Diesel Filter Systems was held one week before the US Senate considered the new ‘P4” plan.