Anonymous Gift To Millburn FD Will Help Keep Firefighters Safe

MILLBURN, NJ — Millburn Fire Department personnel responding to areas with potentially deadly high-voltage fields will head into battle with some high-tech new equipment… and it’s thanks to an anonymous gift from a local resident.

The MFD announced Thursday that it bought 10 V-Watch Personal Voltage Detectors, which were purchased with funds from a township resident “who asked to remain anonymous.”

The devices, which are trapped to the front of a firefighter's uniform, are designed to warn the wearer of the presence of energized surfaces and dangerous high-voltage fields, such as those emitted by a downed power line, the MFD stated.

The voltage detectors will be kept in fire department vehicles at all times, the MFD stated.

"In a storm, or in any situation in which potentially deadly electrical activity may be present, these devices use visual and audible alarms to alert firefighters and other emergency first responders," Fire Chief Robert Echavarria said. "This minimizes their risk of injury or electrocution and enables them to do their jobs more effectively."

Echavarria thanked the mystery donor for their contribution toward helping to keep local firefighters safe.

“We're enormously grateful for the support of our generous donors," Echavarria said. "Their assistance helps safeguard not only our hard-working firefighters, but also the families and businesses we proudly serve."

Echavarria added that there are other safety and technological improvements underway at the MFD, which was recently awarded the Class-3 designation by the Insurance Services Office, a distinction earned by fewer than 4 percent of fire departments nationwide.

• See related article: Millburn Fire Department Has Cool, New Training Tool (VIDEO)
• See related article: Millburn Firefighter Designs New Uniform Patch For MFD (See It Here)

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Photo: YouTube / HD Electric Company

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