Vending style machines are making an appearance at Chesapeake fire stations, but they are not there to supply the firefighters with chocolate bars and soda.
The machines at three stations are part of a new, secure, web-based vending system for medical supplies.
Chesapeake is the first fire department in Hampton Roads and just the fourth one in the commonwealth to adopt the supply dispensing system UCapIT.
The system allows fire chiefs to better track dollars and to cut out delays in the supply chain.
The vending machines were installed at Station 4 at Lenore Trail in Greenbrier, Station 5 at Hanbury Road in Great Bridge, and Station 12 on Taylor Road in Western Branch. Fire Department Captain Greg Noel said the new vending system began in December and makes the supply of medical equipment to firefighters more seamless and efficient.