Greenwood is buying new fire protection gear for the city’s volunteer fire department.
City council unanimously approved the estimated $40,000 expenditure at its last regular meeting Monday, July 13. That amount should cover the cost of 16 fire protection suits known as “turnout gear,” each valued at around $2,500, according to Chief Administrative Officer Marcus Lebler.
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The city will pay for the new gear with COVID-19 recovery funds granted last fall by the provincial and federal governments.
“It’s a perfect example of how those funds should be used,” Lebler told The Times.
The Greenwood Fire Department currently has one set of aging turnout gear for its membership. Noting that the department was already in “desperate need” of a new set, Lebler added that the originals are being worn down more quickly by frequent washings brought about by COVID-19 regulations.
Fire Chief Roy Terashita said he feels “very good” now that council has approved the funding. It may take around three months for the new gear to arrive, he continued, adding that the department is still getting quotes from suppliers in B.C.
Greenwood received around $380,000 through a COVID Safe Restart grant in November 2020. The city is projected to have around $200,000 left by the end of the year, Lebler explained in a memo to council.
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