RUMFORD — Thanks to the Maine Emergency Management Agency and Norway Fire Department, Rumford firefighters received about $60,000 worth of air bottle harnesses and hazardous materials equipment.
Rumford fire Chief Bob Chase would like to put a proposal out for bids to buy air bottles a year earlier than planned. Rumford’s were scheduled to be replaced in the 2014-15 capital plan. The bottles expire after 15 years, Chase told selectmen Thursday night.
Oxford Hills lost its decontamination strike team because not enough local fire and rescue workers were willing to keep up with the specialized training necessary to keep state certification, according to Sun Journal archives.
Losing the team meant Norway and Paris fire departments were required to return specialized equipment and vehicles to MEMA.
Chase said his department received about $30,000 worth of air packs or harnesses and another $30,000 worth of hazmat equipment that was previously with the Norway Fire Department Decon Strike Team.
“So, that’s a big plus for us,” he said. “We’re excited about it.”
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