The Port Edward Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is calling out for donations to purchase new equipment.
Port Edward firefighters hope to raise $10,000 to update rescue equipment, turning to North Coast residents, businesses and groups for donations.
Each year the Port Edward Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department responds to approximately 35 calls, many of which are motor vehicle collisions on Highway 16.
“We have a dedicated team of volunteers that commit countless hours to keep the roads in our community safe. Unfortunately, dated technology can sometimes slow our ability to get injured persons out of a confined vehicle or potentially put our members at risk on scene,” reads a letter signed by Shawn Pettitt, Port Edward’s fire chief.
Donations will help to purchase a thermal imaging camera, new air bottles, updated communications and other rescue equipment.
The equipment would improve Port Edward firefighters ability to assess scenes, and reduce the time it takes to get to an entrapped person and locate an ejected person.
“This will also help us while in firefighting situations to locate persons in a burning building, reduce fatigue and increase safety for our members,” said Pettitt.
Anyone interested in donating to the Port Edward Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is encouraged to call 250-600-7262.