Oxbow Fire Chief Vinnie D'Agostino said the department used the grant to purchase eight ladders to replace ladders that had been purchased in the late 1970s and seven portable water tank backpacks designed for fighting grass fires.
"We were able to replace pretty much all of our ladders, and we were able to use the portable water tanks when we spent five days fighting the fire in Macomb earlier this summer," he said.
Grant dollars were also utilized to make necessary repairs to the discharge system on the department's tanker truck.
"We are very appreciative of her support and gave her a plaque thanking her. She has been very responsive and that is very important. It helps take some of the burden off local taxpayers," Chief D'Agostino said.
Assemblywoman Russell said the equipment purchased with the grant dollars was much needed.
"Their old ladders were much heavier and needed a lot of coaxing to fully extend. Some of those ladders have been in service since before the fire chief and I were born. The roof ladder is also an upgrade from 12 feet to 14 feet," she pointed out.
Assemblywoman Russell, who said she had an opportunity to discuss some of the department's future needs during her stop at the Oxbow fire station, noted local fire departments and rescue squads are one of her priorities when she secures funding for the region.
"I consider it an important part of my work to support our local first responders. We wouldn't be able to afford the coverage we currently have without the service of our volunteer first responders," Assemblywoman Russell said.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell checks out a new ladder purchased with a grant she secured for the Oxbow Fire Department with volunteer firefighter Eric King serving as the spotter.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Oxbow Fire Department volunteer firefighter Eric King helps Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell try on a portable water tank purchased with a grant she secured for the department.
Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell discusses the Oxbow Fire Department's future plans with Fire Chief Vinnie D'Agostino (l) and firefighter Jim Maloy (r).
The Oxbow Fire Department presented Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell with a plaque thanking her for presenting the department with a $5,000 grant secured through a member item. Pictured are (l-r) Oxbow firefighter Eric King, Fire Chief Vinnie D'Agostino and firefighter Jim Maloy. Missing from photo: Second Assistant Chief Anne Potter.
Oxbow Fire Chief Vinnie D'Agostino's children - Kasey, Cadence and Carter - peek out the window of an Oxbow Fire Department tanker.
