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.

The Rush City Fire Department received a $7,500 donation from Rock Creek Lions Club for a new radio to outfit the new fire truck, hometownsource.com reported.

This equipment will enable the fire department to communicate with other fire departments and also other emergency services properly, the report said.

Construction of a new $12 million North Shore firehouse in Glendale will start the week of Feb. 20, the North Shore Fire Department said, jsonline.com reported.

Construction of the new station is estimated to take about one year with a competition date in spring 2024.

The new facility will house the fire station, administrative offices, fleet maintenance facility and the North Shore Health Department Office, a fire official said. The health department is currently located in both Brown Deer and Shorewood, the report said.

The construction cost of the fire station is $10.5 million, with relocation, furnishing and moving bringing the total cost of the project to just over $12.5 million, the fire official said.

Remodeling or replacing the existing firehouse has been part of the department’s long-range financial plan and is based on a 2016 evaluation of the facility by engineering and architect consultants, according to the report.