The Oakland Volunteer Fire Department has acquired two new boats, motors and a double decker trailer to add to its Swift Water Rescue Team, thanks to a grant from the Gary Sinese Foundation, wvnews.com reported.
The total grant award was just under $53,000, and delivery was made last week, the report said.
Mid Atlantic Rescue Inc. delivered the new equipment, which was made by Rone Boats. It includes a 14-foot inflatable rescue boat with a 25 hp motor, and a 16-foot aluminum boat with a 40 hp motor. The boats come with a command console, dive platform and rope bags. The double decker trailer is made to transport both boats and related equipment, the report said.
The equipment will be available to all fire/EMS and law enforcement entities if requested in Garrett County, as well as all surrounding counties, a fire official said.
A few years ago, the fire official said, several fire and rescue departments within Garrett County identified a need for a water rescue team to better protect citizens and visitors.
A county-wide team was formed, now known as the Garrett County Swift Water Rescue Team (Company 7), that could respond to such events, the report said.