Generous donations enable purchase

By Jon Barbagallo
Photo courtesy of Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department

The Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department has received and already put into service our newest extrication tools, thanks to the Auxiliary for Community Health in Winsted and the largest response to date to our annual appeal.

After an extensive research, the NVFD chose to purchase battery-operated spreaders and cutters from Genesis Rescue Systems, at a cost of almost $45,000. Included in the purchase were several other accessories to make our rescue services more streamlined and efficient. The overall package included two spreader tools, one cutter tool, one ram and one power windshield glass cutter, as well as extra batteries, bank chargers and power cords. The new tools are powered by Milwaukee batteries, which allow for quicker response and more flexibility compared to our older equipment. They even work underwater if needed. Each tool will operate for approximately 45 minutes per battery, giving us plenty of work time. The older extrication equipment—which is powered by hydraulics, requiring us to be tethered to a hydraulic pump—will be moved to other trucks, which will increase our response capability. 

Officers from the NVFD recently visited Milly Hudak, president of the board of directors of the Auxiliary for Community Health in Winsted, and Rosemary Surdam, chair of their Awards Committee, to thank them for their $23,399 donation, which made these purchases possible. In addition, our annual appeal raised a record amount of $27,000 this year. Because of this overwhelming response from Norfolk citizens, we were able to purchase additional batteries as well as the windshield cutter, which were not part of the original plan. 

While we hope to never to have to use this lifesaving equipment, the reality is that car accidents and extrication of people are a large part of our annual response. The visitors and citizens of Norfolk can be confident in knowing that their volunteer fire department has the best equipment available to help them if needed. 

Jon Barbagallo is the public information officer for the NVFD.

The Auxiliary for Community Health operates their thrift shop at 120 Willow Street in Winsted. Donations to the store help raise the funds needed for grant requests from organizations like the NVFD, including hospitals, police departments and emergency services. Donations may be left during store hours, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to noon. They do not accept donations of TVs, exercise equipment, furniture, damaged electronics, soiled clothing, damaged books or encyclopedias.