06/07/2026
Thank You, Little Falls, Community & Neighbors
During our recent water emergency, our dedicated city crews worked around the clock for days with very little sleep. When they were spent, our neighbors stepped up in a big way.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Village of Ilion and Mayor John Stephens for sending their knowledgeable water distribution crew led by Vinny Enea. They responded within 30 minutes, jumped right in, and worked late into the evening on Furnace and King Streets.
Thank you to Mary Puznowski, Mayor of the Village of Dolgeville, for providing bottled water to those most affected during this critical time.
Special thanks to Albert Moxham from Herkimer County Emergency Services, who spent many hours on-site strategizing and pulling a plan together alongside the Department of Health. Our regional Fire Departments were also on standby with water tankers to support our Firefighters and protect our city if needed.
We’re incredibly grateful to our schools, hospital, factories, and businesses for their understanding and patience — and for pausing water-intensive activities to help ease the strain on the system.
To our residents who endured days of disruption: thank you for your resilience and grace.
Finally, I want to express my extraordinary pride and appreciation for our own Water Distribution, DPW, and Wastewater teams, led by our stellar City Engineer, Chet Szymanski. You all never complained, and you never quit…even when the days felt like they would never end. I’ve worked with many great people over the years, but your dedication during this crisis stands above the rest. Thank you for everything you do.
As an old city with challenges that seem to pop up daily, it is heartwarming to know we have such a strong support network — neighboring communities, county and state partners, and wonderful residents who are always willing to help. We owe you all a debt of gratitude.
In times of emergency, the kindness of others truly lifts us up and reminds us how strong we are together.
Mayor Deborah A. Kaufman
City of Little Falls