The West Hamilton Beach Fire Department, located at 103-23 Davenport Court, received a water pump, strainer, and a hose, according to Pheffer Amato’s office. The pumps include a large 2.9-gallon fuel tank that can run for six hours at a time.  

“The need to stay safe with persistent flooding is of utmost importance in the Hamilton Beach community. Preparedness is key, and this water pump will go a long way in ensuring we are ready at a moment’s notice,” said Pheffer Amato.

Deputy Chief Nick Spinelli of West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department was grateful for the gift and what it will do for the local community.

The district will purchase 30 sets of head-toe personal protection equipment that includes bunker coat, bunker pant, helmet, boots, gloves and protective hoods. The AFG program is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.According to FEMA, the primary goal of the grant is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, this program has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

 

The total price was pegged at $523,404 during last Wednesday's fire board meeting by a manufacturer of apparatus — Custom Fab and Body from Marion, Wisconsin.  

Pierce, based in Appleton, also submitted a bid for the trucks that was several thousand dollars higher than Custom Fab & Body bid.

The truck replacement account would be the source of $323,000 of the total. The remaining $200,000 would be borrowed by the three towns that own the fire department.

Lieutenant Shilling said a Zanesville fire truck was heading to an emergency southbound on Putnam Avenue when a male riding his bicycle ran into the side of the truck.  

The fire truck was turning right onto Harrison Street when the bicyclist was riding off of the sidewalk at the same time and caused them to collide.