Canton Fire Department Adds New Safety, Water Rescue Equipment

CANTON, CT — The Canton Fire & EMS Department is putting new firefighter safety and rescue equipment into service after receiving grant funding from the Canton Community Health Fund.

The department announced Friday that the grant funded a Pack Tracker system for its self-contained breathing apparatus equipment, a specialized ventilation saw with a bullet chain, and new water rescue rope equipment.

Fire officials said the water rescue equipment will enhance the department's capabilities along the Farmington River.

The Pack Tracker system is designed to help firefighters monitor the location and status of SCBA packs during emergencies.

It provides officers and incident commanders with information about where individual packs are assigned and whether they are being used.

According to the department, the system can improve personnel accountability during complex incidents and help identify equipment that needs to be inspected, serviced or returned to inventory.

The department said its chief officers continue to look for technology and equipment that can improve firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities.

Outside grants are particularly important during tight budget years, the department said, because they can pay for equipment and improvements that otherwise could be difficult to fund.

Canton Fire & EMS thanked the Canton Community Health Fund for its continued support of the department and the community.