Chief John Wood recently showcased the new equipment at the fire house, purchased thanks to a $49,450 safety grant. Wood shopped around for affordable gear and settled on Dill’s Fire and Safety Equipment in West Virginia.
First, there’s the new wet suits and a set of safety floatation vests in case of a water rescue. The department also received new rope rescue equipment, which would be of particular help in rough terrain and hills.
Included are new air bag and air jack systems, which can stabilize a vehicle and lift it under any entrapment scenarios.
All the firefighters will receive a fresh set of safety vests, complete with knives and helmets. For more traditional fire calls, the department has new nozzles and hoses to utilize.
New flashlights will be placed in each of the fire trucks. Strap lights were purchased to fasten onto helmets that can strobe in red and white flashes, which Wood said will especially help in fighting nighttime brush fires.
Lastly are the new emergency road signs to better help with traffic control.
Wood said he is proud of all these positive additions, though he already has one eye toward extra safety improvements. He is hoping to get one more fire truck with a larger tank capable of holding thousands of gallons of water.