Firehouse Subs in Port Arthur has donated $13,578 to the Port Neches (TX) Fire Department to help with the purchase of new safety equipment. The funds, part of more than $62.5 million for first responder organizations across the country, will be for thermal imaging cameras.

“The past year and a half have been difficult for many, impacting first responders and communities across the country,” Firehouse Subs said in a press release. “As we continue to battle health crises and natural disasters, frontline heroes constantly expose themselves to dangerous situations, creating a need for updated lifesaving equipment.”

“We are grateful to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Port Arthur for awarding us this grant,” said Fire Chief Eloy Vega in the release. “By providing thermal imager cameras, our first responders will be able to achieve real-time situational awareness in adverse and hostile conditions to expedite rescue operations and help the people of Port Neches during emergency situations, especially during the upcoming holiday season.”

To donate or learn more, click here.

Myriad issues have caused delays on construction of the new West Chester Township (OH) Fire Station 73 on Duff Drive, causing around $300,000 in extra costs, reports journal-news.com. However, officials maintain the project was a success financially.

Trustees recently approved $294,600 to cover additional work and $17,841 to fix the asphalt at the temporary station damaged by apparatus, the report says.

West Chester Fire Department celebrated the opening of new Fire Station 73. Take a virtual tour: https://t.co/sdFD814gaf #WestChesterOH #BestPlacestoLive pic.twitter.com/Zqj8Mh9XeP

— West Chester Township (@westchestertwp) October 25, 2021

Crews moved into the facility on September 18, but the township officially opened it last week. The total cost of the project, including all the variables, is $4.3 million—1.3% over budget.

The township considered renovating the 50-year-old station, but the construction-only cost estimate was $3.6 million compared to $3.5 million to tear down the station and erect a new one, the report says.

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A fire department that serves Corinna (ME) and Exeter could receive as much as $1.7 million in federal grants to relocate and turn a building into its new headquarters, reports bangordailynews.com.

The potential new home is located on Fernald Avenue—across the street from the department’s current Exeter Street headquarters, the report says.

The department’s current facility is small and was built in 1952, officials say. In addition, the building has problems with flooding and parts of the concrete floor are starting to crack.

The new digs would allow the department to continue serving the two towns, as well as the six other towns with which it has mutual-aid agreements, officials say.

Earlier: Howland and Corinna (ME) Seek $4M for Station Upgrades

A manufacturer’s hold up with six bay doors is delaying the completion of Bella Vista (AR) Fire Department’s new fire station, according to a report published by the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

The new fire station will have three bays, hence the need for six doors to accommodate the drive-through design, the paper said, adding that the manufacturer has blamed the COVID pandemic for the months’ long delay.

The station contractor has had “pointed” discussions with the door manufacturer, which the paper reported was the lowest bidder on the equipment. The doors were finally delivered in mid October, but critical parts were missing, the paper reported.

The mayor told the paper construction on Fire Station three is close to completion, but there was no word on when the missing pieces would be available.