The Wilton Fire Department has received a $16,206 grant to purchase a new Amkus rescue tools.
The grant, issued by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, will be used to purchase cutting and spreading tools that are battery-operated and more powerful than the current tools owned by the department. The tools are used when victims of car crashes are trapped in their vehicles due to crush damage.
The foundation provides lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continued education and disaster relief for first-responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for military veterans. Since its inception 17 years ago, the foundation has awarded more than $75 million across all 50 states and in Puerto Rico, and in Canada through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada.
“On behalf of the Wilton Fire Department and its members, I want to thank the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Manchester,” said Chief Don Nourse. “We are incredibly humbled to receive this vital equipment to continue to keep Wilton and surrounding communities safe.”
The department’s current equipment is 40 years old, and is stored on the department’s Engine 2. Nourse said the replacement equipment will “greatly enhance” the department’s rescue capabilities.
“When minutes count, having the right tools in the right hands makes all the difference,” Nourse wrote in a press release issued by the department.
The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation relies on donations. To learn more about Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation or donate directly, visit firehousesubsfoundation.org.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.