Three of the five volunteer fire companies on Long Beach Island have saved more than $100,000 by making a joint purchase of new Scott air packs for their members.
“This is especially important for the three companies in that the operational funding for each company, which exists as independent nonprofits, come from community fundraising events and donations - activities planned and staffed by the volunteer firefighters in addition to the firefighting activities,” said Peter Hartney, President of the Surf City Volunteer and EMS.
The three companies include the High Point Volunteer Fire Company in Harvey Cedars, Surf City Volunteer Fire and EMS and the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company.
The line officers of the fire companies met in the spring to discuss the possibility of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) for each company. Since most of the air packs currently in use were reaching the end of their safe operational life, the officers decided to purchase 51 air packs jointly.