NORRIDGEWOCK: King Foundation grants extrication equipment to Fire Department

Lt Josh Corson (cq), left, and Firefighter Andrew Dexter of the Norridgewock Fire Department. (Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel)

NORRIDGEWOCK, ME — The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation awarded $40,000 to the Norridgewock Fire Department for the purchase of vehicle extrication equipment. The four pieces of equipment – spreader, cutter, ram, and stabilization struts will support a more efficient process of freeing patients from life-threatening conditions, most usually as the result of a motor vehicle accident. This grant enabled the Department to replace equipment that was 21 years old.

“We are extremely grateful to the STK Foundation for supporting our important project. The new battery-operated Hurst tools will speed the extrication process and eliminate the complications of working with older technologies. We are eliminating a gas-powered motor, hydraulic pump, hoses and fittings, all while upgrading our ability to cut modern metal alloys found in late model motor vehicles. The positive environmental impact is also a bonus,” said Deputy Chief Todd Pineo.

The equipment has been added to Engine 21, a 2019 Pierce Responder pumper, which is the customarily the first apparatus to deploy to an accident scene.

Town Manager Richard LaBelle expressed great thanks for the grant. “Acquiring this new equipment would not have been possible without the support from the King Founda­tion. These lighter-weight, portable tools will help our crews respond quickly to emergency calls and provide them with the right tools to do the job. This grant benefits not just the people of Norridgewock, but anyone who may travel through town.”

The equipment being replaced, through the generosity of this grant, will be donated to a Somerset County fire department in an effort to assist another rural, mutual aid partner.

About the Norridgewock Fire Department:

The Norridgewock Fire Department serves the Towns of Norridgewock (pop. 3,249) and Mercer (pop. 664) for a total of 78.57 square miles.