By W.T. Eckert
Watertown Daily Times
NORWOOD, N.Y. — Fighting fires takes a toll on equipment, putting at risk those that often put their own safety on the line; that’s why the Norwood Volunteer Fire Department is again depending on the generosity of the community to help replenish their resources.
Once a year the department sets a goal of $3,000 in a fundraiser that starts around October and runs through the end of the year that helps purchase essential equipment.
“Last year we had a very poor turnout and it kind of hurt us a bit in reaching our goal,” department treasurer Timothy S. Donahue said. “At this particular point we still have a little canvassing to do, but we are about two-thirds of the way to reach our goal.”
In years past, the fundraiser has helped to purchase a Jaws of Life set for the department’s equipment truck, a thermal imaging camera, which is used to find people in house fires as well as hot spots in buildings, and exhaust fans for use during fires. Donations can be sent to Norwood Fire Department, Attn. Timothy Donahue-Treasurer, P.O. Box 231, Norwood, NY 13668.
This year, the funding is going toward the purchase of nearly 1,000 feet of hose that will no longer pass testing standards, and the most basic and essential of a firefighter’s equipment, new turnout gear — the fire retardant coats, pants and helmets that keep firefighters safe when they are seeking to save others, First Assistant Chief Jeremy C. French said.
“Without that we wouldn’t be able to fight fires at all,” Mr. French said. “We count heavily on this fundraiser. Every year we try to replace three sets of turnout gear, which can cost in excess of $2,500 a set.”
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