NORTHEAST TOWN––The Little Current Lions Club, thanks to the help of the community, donated a generous $10,000 to the Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Fire Department on Monday of this week, allowing the fire department to purchase new auto extrication tools.
Fire Chief Duane Deschamps explained to the Lions that the new tools—a spreader, cutter and ram—are battery operated and much lighter than the tools the department is currently using; tools that are over 25-years-old.
He explained that when the fire department is called to respond to a multi-vehicle accident, the tools will prove invaluable as there is no longer an external power source or hose hookups needed. The old tools, too, weigh in at around 70 pounds while the new tools weigh between 35 and 45 pounds.
Fire Chief Deschamps explained that the new steel used in cars has become noticeably more difficult to cut through. With these new tools, this will no longer be a problem.
“It all takes time with the old tools,” the fire chief added, “which is a big factor when responding to an accident.” He noted that with the old equipment, it took at least four firefighters to set up while with the new extrication tools, it will only take two.
“I give a big thank you for enabling this,” Fire Chief Deschamps addressed the Lions. “Funds are tight everywhere, municipally and provincially. It’s people like you and your volunteer efforts that make this a reality,” he added before calling for a round of applause.
Lion President Bruce Burnett encouraged the fire department to “keeping buying those tickets,” referencing Catch the Ace tickets and he also called for a reciprocal round of applause, acknowledging the efforts of the NEMI Fire Department.
The $10,000 was comprised of $5,000 from the Catch the Ace funds and $5,000 from the Winterfest hockey tournament.
