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NORRIDGEWOCK — The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation awarded $40,000 to the Norridgewock Fire Department for the purchase of vehicle extrication equipment. The four pieces of equipment – spreader, cutter, ram and stabilization struts – will support a more efficient process of freeing patients from life-threatening conditions, most usually as the result of a motor vehicle accident. The grant meant the department could replace equipment that was 21 years old. The equipment being replaced will be donated to a Somerset County fire department in an effort to assist another rural mutual aid partner.
“We are extremely grateful to the STK Foundation for supporting our important project,” said Deputy Chief Todd Pineo. “The new battery-operated Hurst tools will speed the extrication process and eliminate the complications of working with older technologies. We are eliminating a gas-powered motor, hydraulic pump, hoses and fittings, all while upgrading our ability to cut modern metal alloys found in late model motor vehicles. The positive environmental impact is also a bonus,”
The equipment has been added to Engine 21, a 2019 Pierce Responder pumper, which is the customarily the first apparatus to deploy to an accident scene.
Town Manager Richard LaBelle said, “Acquiring this new equipment would not have been possible without the support from the King Foundation. These lighter-weight, portable tools will help our crews respond quickly to emergency calls and provide them with the right tools to do the job. This grant benefits not just the people of Norridgewock, but anyone who may travel through town.”
The Norridgewock Fire Department serves the towns of Norridgewock (pop. 3,249) and Mercer (pop. 664) for a total of 78.57 square miles.
The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation is a private nonprofit organization that promotes strengthening and supporting communities and draws upon the values and spirituality of the founders. The Foundation has a special interest in organizations and people who have less recourse to usual channels of resources, focusing on community-based initiative.
