Firefighters tested new equipment at an award presentation on Sunday. A 300 foot rope connected to a cart with replaceable air tanks gives firefighters an endless air supply compared to the bulkier tanks that held all of the air supply on their backs.

"There's not as much of a concern of a rescuer not able to get out of a space before his air is exhausted," Burton said.

The fire department received the equipment after applying for a $15,125 grant through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The foundation's national board decided the need was there.

The pole was sheared off and Atlantic City Electric was called to the scene. The ambulance was towed away, he said.

Goez said he did not have any information on whether anyone was injured, but police and fire dispatches at the time of the crash indicated at least two people were injured.

The estimated construction budget for the shell is $2 million, not including geo-tech testing, civil engineering or landscape design services.

The new two-story building will comprise 13,500 square feet.