Volunteer firefighters throughout the Winchester area can possibly look forward to a much needed piece of equipment that will help them continue to save lives.
Winchester Fire and Rescue Chief Allen Baldwin says 70 slightly used SCBA masks, which stands for “self contained breathing apparatus”; will possibly be donated to local volunteer fire companies in the Winchester area, as well as to the Frederick County Winchester Training Center if council approves them to do so.
"The department of the city has been upgrading the face pieces assigned to crew personnel over the last year due to some updates and national standards and federal regulations,” said Winchester Fire and Rescue Chief, Allen Baldwin.
Chief Baldwin says due to a high surplus in the masks, the ones that will possibly be donated are no longer being used by current Winchester Fire and Rescue staff.
"They have a limited service life left, but until we can get strategic planning in place, and come up with a long term plan, they will be a benefit to our volunteers and to the training center,” added Chief Baldwin.
Once the masks have been donated, Chief Baldwin says they will then be assigned, and customized to fit each volunteer. He says this ultimately helps them save hundreds of dollars.